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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IT’S been two-and-a-half years since US political drama The Diplomat first appeared on our screens.

It follows a veteran diplomat unexpectedly appointed as ambassador to the United Kingdom amid an emerging international crisis.

Fresh from an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, the show created by Debora Cahn returns for its third season with a whole new set of challenges.

The latest run sees the return of Keri Russell as US ambassador Kate Wyler, Rufus Sewell as her husband, Hal, and Allison Janney as US Vice President Grace Penn, while Allison's West Wing costar Bradley Whitford joins the cast as Penn’s husband, Todd.

Also returning are Rufus’ fellow Brits Rory Kinnear - who plays Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge and David Gyasi, as Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison.

The story picks up where season two left off, following the death of US President William Rayburn, played by Michael McKean.

Wyler has just accused Vice President Penn, who's now Commander-in-Chief, of orchestrating a terrorist plot and admitted she’s after her job. Meanwhile, it's revealed that Wyler’s husband, Hal, may have inadvertently caused the president's death.

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.”