COUNT on me

SAM CLAFLIN on headlining a new take on a classic swashbuckling adventure

- STEVEN PERKINS

A cruel betrayal, a wrongful arrest and an all-consuming thirst for vengeance are the heady mix for U&Drama's new literary adaptation, The Count of Monte Cristo.

Inspired by the 1846 novel of the same name by French author Alexandre Dumas, the eight-episode epic stars Peaky Blinders actor Sam Claflin as Edmond Dantès, a sailor whose prosperous future is ruined when his rivals Danglars (Blake Ritson, The Gilded Age) and Fernand (Harry Taurasi, Bookish) frame him for treason.

While Edmond serves a lengthy jail sentence, his fellow prisoner Abbé Faria (Jeremy Irons, The Borgias) tells him of a vast treasure trove that exists on a desert island. Sensing an opportunity, Edmond escapes, finds the stash and uses his newfound wealth to reinvent himself as the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo - then sets about secretly taking revenge on all those who conspired against him.

TV Times sat down with Sam, 39, at a posh London hotel to find out more...

Were you familiar with the original story before you signed up for this series?

I'd heard of it, but I'd never read it - I knew it was about revenge, but that was it, really. The director, Bille August, strictly prohibited me from watching any previous versions or reading the book as he wanted our script to be the bible. But I disobeyed those orders, and watched a couple of other adaptations and read the book anyway!

How would you describe your character, Edmond Dantès?