10 Reasons Matthew Rhys will make a great Mr Darcy
Matthew Rhys has recently been confirmed as the new Mr Darcy in a new Pride And Prejudice spin-off for the BBC. It is a truth universally acknowledged that Colin Firth is the greatest Mark Darcy, like, EVER. Until now…? We've got 10 reasons why Matt should be able to fill his wet shirt
Rex FeaturesMatthew beat off some stiff competition to step into the brooding, romantic hero’s breeches, including that of GLAMOUR favourites Les Misérables' Eddie Redmayne (swoon) and Avengers baddie Tom Hiddleston (who almost, almost, out-sexed Thor). So he's gotta be good.
Rex FeaturesAnyone who's seen Matthew's turn in The Mystery Of Edwin Drood knows he can rock a pair of chop-tastic sideburns like the best of them. Step aside, Firth.
Rex FeaturesMr Darcy might be literature's biggest babe, but did you know that Matthew Rhys played music's biggest babe – Elvis Presley – in a musical when he was just 17. If he can pull off The King with such snaked-hipped prowess, Darcy's brooding machismo should be a doddle.
Rex FeaturesBen Stephenson, head of BBC drama, said that Rhys has been cast because "he has a dark edge. We did not want a Milk Tray advert type of handsomeness." Amen to that, Stephenson. Amen.
Rex FeaturesMatthew is no stranger to a frilled collar and breeches. The actor has done his fair share of period drama - starting with Greenstone, a colonial TV saga, before moving on Titus, an adaptation of Titus Andronicus opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins, and The Abduction Club, an 18th century swashbuckling adventure.
WennHe's got the fans behind him already – and we all know how literary fanatics can be somewhat outspoken. Remember the stick poor Matthew, with one Pride And Prejudice fan writing: "Good, good, I like," and another: "This is exciting! I love Matthew Rhys."
Rex FeaturesNot forgetting, of course, that Matthew will be able to put his own spin on the character – the show is a Pride and Prejudice spin-off after all. Death Comes To Pemberley takes place six years after the original classic novel, when Darcy and Elizabeth have two young sons and are preparing for the annual ball at their home...
Getty ImagesMatthew himself said, "Of course I am stepping into the shoes of others who have played the part, but I don't think there will be too many comparisons with Colin Firth. Mine is a different Darcy who has mellowed and has kids... The beauty of Pemberleyis that it is an entirely new and different Darcy six years on. And also, I don't have to appear from a lake in a white shirt." More's the pity.
Rex FeaturesMatthew played legendary poet Dylan Thomas in love quadrangle biopic The Edge of Love – which saw Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller fighting tooth and nail over his affections. If he can believably woo the likes of those A-list beauties, we're certain the British public should be a breeze.
Rex FeaturesAnd finally, HE'S MATTHEW RHYS! Catch his not especially likeable but undeniably sexy turn in new spy drama, The Americans – in which he either has sex with or kills a lot of people - and you'll see what we mean. Swoon.
Filming for the new three-part drama Death Comes To Pemberley will begin in June on location in Yorkshire, with the show airing on the BBC this Christmas.
