ME VS MY CHARACTER: JAMES SUTTON

Thursday 13 December

How would you describe John Paul's style?

John Paul is a pretty regular student really. I'm lucky because he doesn't have to wear anything that I would consider too outrageous. Saying that, he does wear a lot of stripes!

How would you compare your winter style with that of your character?

I have fairly mature tastes in comparison to John Paul. He tends to go with big shiny jackets with furry hoods whereas I prefer my long black coat and a tasteful scarf. We're not that similar at all.

When sourcing clothes for John Paul's wardrobe were the shops the same as where you would usually go?

Not really. The costume department had a very clear idea about John Paul's look from the start and we headed straight for places like Topman, River Island and Next. When shopping for myself I like Cricket in Liverpool and I go for makes such as Diesel and D&G. My suit for the National Television Awards was Cavalli which I don't think would be John Paul's sort of thing really!

Were you given any hints as to what you would be expected to wear when you auditioned for the part?

The casting department made it very clear from the beginning that they didn't want John Paul to follow any stereotypes as a gay character. As I said earlier he is very much a typical student, his sexuality is incidental.

Have you ever refused to wear an item of clothing/outfit whilst playing John Paul?

Yeah, once but only because it stopped me from doing my job! It was this enormous coat with buttons and straps around the neck so I couldn't even turn my head to side never mind act. Aesthetically though I have never had any problems with anything I have been given.

How did you feel the first time you saw yourself on screen as your character?

The most surprising thing was how young I looked. I'm lucky to have naturally clear skin but the make up department do an amazing job as I am actually six years older than John Paul!