The Last Kingdom: Ruby Hartley talks playing Uhtred’s daughter Stiorra

Among the many new faces we met in season 4 of The Last Kingdom was Stiorra, the daughter of our main character, Uhtred. Of course, we’d “met” her back in season 3 when she was a child, but after a quick time jump before season 4, she’s now a young woman played by Ruby Hartley.

Joining a sprawling medieval epic as your first professional acting job might sound intimidating, but Hartley told us it wasn’t long before she felt comfortable on set.

"I was aware of the reputation of the show and how well thought of it was. It’s also my first professional job so I was definitely nervous as well as excited. But any nerves went away almost as soon as I arrived in Budapest because straight away everyone was so welcoming and really made me feel like I was a part of the family. I met Stefani Martini (Eadith) first, in the back of a car on the way to horse riding lessons, and she pretty much calmed my nerves completely and then it was the same with everyone I met, on and off set. Meeting Alex and Finn and getting on so well with them from the get go was also the best!"

Speaking of Alex(ander Dreymon, who plays Uhtred), apparently he was a breeze to work with. “Alex always really looked out for me and Finn (Elliot) which helped so much because there felt like there was a genuine family connection between us all. When you’re lucky enough to have that, any pressure melts away.”

“I think there was definitely some pressure because Uhtred really is the centre of the whole show  and is such an iconic character, so I was aware people would therefore have pretty high expectations for Stiorra,” Hartley continued. “But she’s such an independent character that I kind of forgot about that as filming went on. I really love and admire so much about Stiorra but I think the main thing would be that independence she has. I love that she knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to do what she wants to do, whether it’s downing beer with Finan or standing up to Brida.”

Both of those are certainly accomplishments to be proud of.

Hartley also praised costume designer Molly Rowe for making inhabiting the role of Stiorra so easy. “It was great seeing bits of her Dad in her personality and I also loved how Molly’s costume included reflections of Uhtred’s, like the amber stone necklace, because then it became reassuring, rather than an added pressure, to be the daughter of such a great character.”

As for which of Uhtred’s children is more like their heroic father, Hartley broke open the nuance. “Genuinely I think they’re both as much like Uhtred as each other, they just show it and use those qualities differently. Finn [Elliot, who plays Young Uhtred] and I always used to joke that it was me but I think it’s clear, especially by the end of the series, that both of them are very much their father’s children. They’re never pulled away from doing what they believe is the right thing and are never afraid to act on that.”

Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix

The Last Kingdom has adapted just over half of the books in Bernard Cornwell’s novel series, The Saxon Tales. That means that anyone who wants to get a sneak peak at what’s going to happen next can, including Hartley. “I actually hadn’t read all of the books before I started filming, but when I found out I’d got the role, my grandpa made a book with all the Stiorra bits in it for me, so yeah, I did definitely get the chance to pull some inspiration from them,” she said. “And I couldn’t resist the urge to read ahead and see what could be in store for her.”

Hartley was similarly unfamiliar with the show, but again, a family member filled her in. “I actually hadn’t watched it until my audition for the show but my brother was already a fan of it and I knew it was really well thought of with a really strong fan base.”

Hartley joined the show as it began a new chapter in the wake of Alfred’s (David Dawson) death. She had a goal in mind for Stiorra. ” I love how the female characters in the show are all such strong, exciting women so I was really aware that I wanted to keep adding to that dynamic because when I watched the show, that was definitely something I loved about it,” she said. “One of the things I love about Stiorra is how she has such a mix of both her parents within her, she carries Gisela’s dagger holder with her always and so I was also excited to add in another character who feels those split loyalties between both sides and wants to find a different way to deal with those conflicts than we’ve seen before.”

Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix

“I think the most challenging scene for me was the scene where Stiorra and Sigtryggr were alone for the first time,” she continued. “Stiorra always wanted to have a chance to fight and do something exciting but then actually being kidnapped and held hostage is pretty scary when she’s faced with it! I was really aware that I wanted to get that balance between showing her vulnerability and fear whilst keeping her her strong, feisty self.”

Of course, being kidnapped led her to meet the Viking warlord Sigtryggr (Eysteinn Sigurdarson), with whom she rides off to Northumbria at the end of the season. “I definitely think there’s a connection between Stiorra and Sigtryggr,” Hartley said. “They’re both very similar and I think they realize that about each other pretty quickly. They’re both young but share that strength and independence. I think Stiorra likes and respects how he’s willing to get what he wants but not necessarily in the same way the other Danish characters might go about it on the show.”

"I loved working with Eys so I’d definitely like to see more of Stiorra and Sigtryggr and how their relationship develops. It would be interesting to see how, like Uhtred, Stiorra may also battle with having both Saxon and Dane within her and how she deals with feeling loyalty to both sides. I’d also love to see her in a battle and do some fighting of my own!"

We’re guessing anyone of Uhtred’s blood will eventually find their way into a battle.

Sigurdarson isn’t the only cast member Hartley is looking forward to sharing more screentime with. The show has an embarrassment of acting riches to choose from. “That is actually such a hard question because I would honestly like to work with everyone more,” she said. “But I guess any scene with Team Uhtred was so much fun and such a laugh, so I’d definitely love more of that. But I would love to maybe see a bit more of Stiorra and Brida. They’re two characters with really strong personalities and the few times I got to work with Emily (Cox) in season 4, I really loved so more time with her would be great.”

Stiorra and Brida together. Odin save us.

Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix

We also asked Hartley to reveal her most embarrassing story from set, and she gamely obliged:

"I can’t say I have any hilarious horse riding stories (it was mainly just me trying to look calm and cool.) On my very first day of filming though, I had to lead everyone running up a hill whilst being chased by Eardwulf and his soldiers. I managed to run in completely the wrong direction. It was really hot so everyone was hoping to only have to do it once but instead we had to reset all of the soldiers on horses and everyone had to go again. Luckily they all saw the funny side of me being a newbie to being on set and having the world’s worst sense of direction."

Finally, Hartley discussed how she’s adapting to life under quarantine. As with the rest of us, it involves TV. “I’ve actually just binged all of After Life on Netflix. We are possibly the biggest Ricky Gervais fans in our house, so we finished that within a few hours of it being released. Outside of acting I mainly just love spending time with my friends (we love a quiz night) but at the moment during lockdown I’m really just watching films and spending time with my brother, last night we watched Gone Girl which was amazing and we watch a lot of New Girl, we find it hilarious so that definitely passes the time and keeps things positive!”

Gone Girl and New Girl couldn’t be more different, but it’s good to mix it up.

We thank Ms. Hartley for the time and look forward to season 5!

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