Party Animals
Matt Smith plays Labour researcher Danny Foster
"Drugs don't turn him on, work does..."
Tell us about Danny...
"Danny has a romantic, moral take on the political world and, at the same time, can be deeply cynical about life outside politics. He has a dry sense of humour and a quick wit. Intellectually, he's sharp and attentive. I suppose his brain is one of his most attractive features.
"Emotionally, he's what you might deem uncultured; with women, in particular, Danny has an inability to express how he feels and be himself, at first. Underneath, of course, is a wry, sarcastic, witty romantic, waiting to knock a girl sideways and be the boyfriend of a lifetime!
"His timid nature romantically is a stark contrast to his persona at work, where he can be dynamic, articulate and very productive."
What is it about politics that attracts him?
"His opinions in general and, of course, his father. The death of his father, a person Danny was very close to, influenced his decision to enter politics but he has developed his own political desire and drive. Academically, he's always been a bit of bookworm and so what else would he do?"
Danny is teased for being too old to be a researcher but why hasn't he progressed more quickly?
"Loyalty to Jo and resolute belief in her ability. He could move because he's had offers, but the great thing about Danny is that, despite his emotional flaws regarding women, he's good at caring for people, being a shoulder to cry on or, at times, a rock for others to lean on."
He takes life quite seriously. Is he a bit of a prude or is he just very sensitive?
"He's sensitive, yes, but not to an extreme. He's not wet, so I don't think he's a prude by any means – he just knows what he likes in life.
"Drugs don't turn him on, work does. He works hard and should probably play harder but, by not doing so, he has excelled in his academic career throughout his life."
He and his brother are very dependent upon each other. Do you think they "parent" one another in a way?
"Yes. Danny would be lost without Scott and vice versa. Danny looks up to Scott in many ways; he is both inspired and repulsed by his brother.
"Danny, not being particularly close to his mother, feels an increased emotional connection to his brother and their unconditional love. Scott reminds Danny to have fun – and he pushes Danny forward at work, as well as paying the rent."
Do you think Danny is living in the shadows of his older brother and father?
"People may see it that way but it's not like that in Danny's mind. He's carrying forward a similar political nature to his father but not Scott: Danny doesn't want to be a lobbyist, wear those stupid, over-priced, pointy shoes or sleep with the Tory candidate!"
How does Danny feel about Kirsty?
"He loves her and love is blind. She's pretty and she's quite funny. She treats him like shit, pays him little attention and uses him for her own personal gain quite ruthlessly. He doesn't know why but she rocks his world…"
Do you think she likes him more than she lets on?
"Kirsty respects Danny, his work ethic, his ability and his loyalty to her. He pays her too much attention and therein lies his flaw: he can't play hard to get or be sexy because he's too honest. He's an idiot for it but you love him as a result."
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