Speaking about the role, Gallagher says:
“He is a record producer who, along with his wife, Karina has founded his own label and gone on to star in a talent show called Rock Rivals. He’s incredibly good at what he does, he knows what will work and what won’t work, and his track record in the industry has proven that. At the point at which we meet him, he is at the height of his success and now he believes he is untouchable. He’s gone a bit power crazy.”
The success that Mal has achieved has not been done on his own: his wife Karina, played by Michelle Collins, has been there every step of the way. Partners in life as well as business they seem to all intents and purposes, like the perfect, successful couple.
“They have been partners for such a long time now and together they have built up an extremely successful business. They are extremely wealthy and live a rather fabulous lifestyle. They want for nothing and I honestly believe that they genuinely love each other. Mal genuinely does love Karina, despite his behaviour.”
And it is Mal’s behaviour that sets in motion one of the most bitterly fought divorce proceedings to hit TV screens since JR and Sue Ellen parted company.
“Mal’s a bit emotionally stunted. All the power and success came early and he never really grew up. He’s always got what he wanted, when he wanted it and the same goes for women. Despite the fact he loves his wife, he’s always been a bit of a naughty boy. He’s easily tempted by pretty things, be it cars or girls, and he’s played away in the past. Karina has always overlooked it when it’s not been on her door step, but when Jinx, Mal’s executive assistant, broadcasts their little session to the production team she has to react. He humiliates her very publicly and it’s the kind of thing where you ask how many times can you overlook an infidelity and forgive someone. At that point, no matter what happens throughout the rest of the series, it’s something that can’t be forgotten. Understandably she goes a little mental, cuts his clothes up and drives his Porsche into the pool, all the usual stuff.”
As the battle between the two judges descends into all out war, they each try to use contestants within the competition to damage the other’s reputation. But as the conflict rages on screen and off, the division between them becomes increasingly heightened because they are actually frightened of losing each other.
“It’s that age old saying ‘you only hurt the ones you love’, and as I’ve said, these two really do. It’s the fear of the unknown that drives them. They have known this life for 20 years and have achieved everything together: all the success and acclaim that comes with that has always been as equals. Mal is terrified of being on his own. When he realises Karina is serious about leaving him, he detects a strength in her that he hasn’t really seen before and it unnerves him.
“He doesn’t know if he can be Mal Faith without her, but equally he’s damned if he’s going to lose face. But he hasn’t got the emotional maturity to deal with what’s going on like any normal person and so resorts to increasingly underhand tactics to try and destroy her. He becomes totally irrational. Everything he does is completely reactionary and immediate. Mal is the sort of guy that if he is threatened by something then he will do whatever it takes to prevent that threat from becoming a reality and he will do it without question. He’s very unscrupulous but of course he doesn’t see it that way. He tells himself ‘I’m only doing what I have to do to protect myself and what’s mine.”
One could argue that everything that happens is as a result of his infidelity, that he is ultimately to blame for everything that happens between himself and Karina. Is there ever a moment in the heat of the battle when he feels any kind or remorse for what he’s done?
“There is a degree of regret there and when he says ‘sorry and it won’t happen again’ he genuinely means it at the time. But of course it doesn’t stop him from doing it again and again. But when we meet him, the thought of not having power and control is scarier to him than losing Karina. So when she starts calling the shots, he’s suddenly on unfamiliar territory and he won’t back down.”
Rock Rivals features a cast predominantly made up of new acting talent, some of whom had never been on screen before. How did he find the experience?
The maturity of the younger cast was impressive and the confidence was incredible, but I’ve got to say, Sol in particular was great. Purely because he had never, ever set foot on a set before, came in late and just started hitting the mark straight out of the starting blocks. That was a tough start and he proved his worth - he’s a brilliant actor and a lovely bloke.”
And how did the actor enjoy playing Michelle’s on screen husband for a second time?
“We’re getting old hat at this. Michelle and I played a husband and wife before in a series called Ella and the Mothers and I loved working with her. This time around I was amazed at her energy. She had to fly back from Ireland every weekend because she has a daughter to see to and she never once flagged. She is so professional and I loved working with her. She’s a good ‘un.”
And how is Sean’s singing voice? Good enough to audition for a show like Rock Rivals?
“Well I can hold a note, but god no. No, I would never. It would be just too exposing. At least as an actor you can hide behind the characters you play.”
In terms of Rock Rivals the show who would he like to see win the audience vote?
“We filmed two endings and I enjoyed filming the scenes when Luke won, because Mal in those moments was brilliant fun to play. He’s hysterical, almost manic with glee and I enjoyed gloating. So I would like to see Luke win. Purely on a selfish, it’s all about me level.”
Image and text © ITV1
