He’s not harmful or intentionally horrible, and women do actually go out with him, they just usually realise halfway through the evening that he needs to be in the real world! One evening is enough for them usually!
Does Vijay have genuine feelings for any of the women at work? Or is he interested in anyone in a skirt?
He’s particularly trying to chase Gemma because she’s young and pretty and would be a great conquest. It would be a great victory for him and a notch on his bed post. He pursues her in a
very humorous and gentle way in an attempt to woo her. Vijay’s not offensive, his opinions are, but you could take him to meet your mum and he wouldn’t offend her.
Does Vijay get offended when he gets knocked back?
No, he never really expects to get anywhere! The only reason he keeps chatting up the women at the hospital is to make his day go quicker. He wants to have fun. He knows he will never get
anywhere with them, but he enjoys teasing the girls. If they were ever to say yes to him he’d probably be really shocked.
Do you think Vijay is secretly upset when Gemma stands him up for Kieran?
Yes, his ego is damaged. Vijay has a big ego when it comes to women and feels he has a lot to prove. He bounces back from the rejection very quickly because his armour is very thick.
Although he does drive a flashy car and uses his wealth as a sexual tool, Vijay never pretends to be something he’s not. He’s totally honest about what he wants.
Vijay blows the small chance he had with Gemma when he suggested they go straight back to his. How does she react?
Gemma doesn’t like Vijay’s attitude and thinks he’s a total idiot. She wants to teach him a lesson. She pretends to seduce him at the hospital, blindfolds him promising kinky sex, strips
him, steals his clothes, and leaves him in the hospital in his underwear! She films the whole thing on her phone and sends it to everyone. He’s very irritated and annoyed by it. Vijay is
tough and he’s used to rejection, so he bounces back from the humiliation quite quickly.
What was it like filming that scene where she strips him off?
It was great fun. I did those scenes with Sophia Di Martino, who’s a lovely actress to work with, and we decided that the only way we could do it was to be completely tongue-in-cheek. It was
good fun behaving like a fool.
Do you enjoy playing the character?
Yes I do. I’ve actually never played a character like Vijay before. I love it as I’m learning so much as an actor, and taking so many risks. Vijay is out of my comfort zone which is good.
He’s always chatting up women and never gets anywhere with them. I’m tired of playing smooth guys who get women. It’s refreshing to play a smooth guy who never gets the girl!
Would you like to see Vijay settle down or do you think it’s all part of his charm?
Vijay would never settle down, and he shouldn’t. A man like him needs to be shared. He’s good fun, although if I met him I’d probably want to punch him!
Have there been any amusing moments on set?
Most of the time when we’re filming a scene we’re struggling not to laugh It’s a nice cast and we all get on, so we’re generally messing around before they say action. Other than that it’s
completely professional.
What attracted you to The Royal Today?
Initially it was the character - I loved the idea of a guy who thinks he’s a success with the ladies, but is actually crap. Then at my interview I met Tim Dowd, a director on the show, and
he sold it to me. He had so much passion for the programme and I really wanted to work with him.
How do you feel about being part of a brand new cast?
It’s fantastic. It’s one of the things I love about it. In the past when I’ve joined drama serials they already have an established cast. There is a great deal of excitement here as we’re all actors
who have come together to make this programme work. I think it’s that excitement and anticipation that drives us all, and hopefully we’ll all play a part in making it a success.
Image and text © ITV1
