LIVING OUT LOUD

Kiwi comedian Rose Matafeo has compiled a remarkable résumé, culminating in her hit British TV show Starstruck. So where does she go from here?

- RUSSELL BROWN

A good part of what keeps people watching Starstruck – the hit British comedy series that New Zealand's Rose Matafeo writes, executive produces and stars in – is surely the urgent wish that its romantic protagonists would, please, just sort it out.

After what seemed to be a romcom resolution to Starstruck’s first season – instead of flying home, Jessie, the impetuous, aimless New Zealander, stays on the airport bus with film star Tom – the opening indications of the second season are not promising. Jessie disembarks from the bus with her lover and is seized by so many conflicting feelings that she seems in danger of accidentally running into traffic. The relationship, clearly, remains a work in progress.

“I can’t believe it myself,” laughs Matafeo, who plays Jessie, from her home in north-east London. “When will this girl grow up? It is frustrating, but that’s the tension. Imagine if it was just a series where two people got together and they encountered no obstacles whatsoever. What a boring f---ing series that would be.”

But viewers won’t have to wait too long – until episode two, to be precise – for what looks like an actual moment of reflection and personal growth for Jessie.

“Yeah, she has a moment. I think she’s maybe potentially for the first time realising that her impulsive decisions have ramifications. No one’s really picked up on the fact that Jessie has experienced some personal growth. It’s subtle, but it’s there.”