Alec D'Urberville

Alec is the handsome, but self-centred and manipulative eldest son of Tess's supposed illustrious relatives - the D'Urbervilles.

After going to work at The Slopes - Alec's family home - Tess falls into his clutches. He is the "tragic mischief" and she is easily seduced by his apparent charm and generosity.

Hans has had a varied and successful acting career. As well as appearing in the hit TV series The Tudors, he set pulses racing as the ill-fated Earl of Essex in the BBC's The Virgin Queen. He romanced Demi Moore's character in Half Light, and can be seen with Keira Knightley in Dr Zhivago and also Anna Friel in Bathory.

For his role in the film Canone Inverso, Hans learnt how to play the violin, adding that to his musical repertoire of guitar, viola, harmonica and piano.

Read an interview with Hans Matheson

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