There's ambition, betrayal, and moral compromise... it's the cost of politics

Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, and Keri Russell chat to LYNN RUSK ahead of The Diplomat's return to Netflix for a thrilling third season

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Oscar winner Allison says this season explores what politics can really cost the people involved.

"There's a great deal of humour too, which I think is one of the key components that makes the series so watchable and entertaining," says the American actress, 65.

"The cost of politics, the personal cost of politics, there's ambition, betrayal, and moral compromise.

"You see it all play out, both publicly and privately and it's just a whole lot of fun."

Boston-born Allison says she's incredibly grateful to be reunited with her West Wing costar Bradley for the series.

"We didn't have to do a lot of work to build a history together, because Brad and I have known each other for 20-some years," she explains.

"We already have that history baked in, so jumping into these roles, getting to act with him again has just been so much fun.

"We're so grateful to be able to play together again. We love acting with each other, we love Debora Cahn's writing, and we love working with Keri and Rufus. We were both such big fans of this show long before either of us knew we'd get to be a part of it."

She adds: "We've had so much fun creating these characters. Debora Cahn gives us everything we need in the script.