Solly McLeod, Tom Jones’ leading man, honestly believed the upcoming ITVX drama would be a biography of Welsh musician Sir Tom Jones.
For those who are still perplexed, the forthcoming four-part miniseries is based on Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling.
The period drama, starring Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham, recounts a ‘picaresque account of the main character’s tortuous journey to achieve true love.’
According to the synopsis, the drama will take place in 18th century England and will follow a protagonist who is ‘trying to find a place in the world.’
Solly, the House of the Dragon actor, plays the main protagonist, although he was under the notion that the show would depict the story of the 82-year-old It’s Not Unusual hitmaker.
‘I had no idea who Tom Jones was, I thought it was the singer,’ he said of the new series to Metro.co.uk.
‘I say to people my new show Tom Jones comes out and they’re like “What! I didn’t know there was a Tom Jones biopic.”‘
He added: ‘A little confusing at first but then realised it was something different.’
It’s a simple error to make.
Solly co-stars with Sophie Wilde as Sophia Western, Doctor Who’s Pearl Mackie as Sophia’s trusty maid, Honour, and Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham as the alluring and spiteful Lady Bellaston.
When asked about what happened at the auditions, Solly admitted that it was a’strange’ experience.
‘I got this job entirely on zoom,’ he said.
‘I never met anyone. All of them were over zoom, it was very strange. I was worried because I was thinking “am I going to get along with these people?” but thankfully that wasn’t the case.’
Bridgerton‘s James Fleet, Breeders’ Alun Armstrong, and Happy Valley actress and Olivier winner Shirley Henderson round out the historical drama cast.
Tom Jones premieres on Thursday May 4 on ITVX.
