‘Us’ star Tom Taylor opens up about his character’s coming out scene in hit BBC series

Doctor Foster favourite Tom Taylor didn’t have a clue his character was gay when he signed up for book-turned-TV hit, Us.

In the Attitude November issue, out now to download and to order globally, the rising star says the rainbow-coloured plot ‘twist’ came as a pleasant surprise.

“When they offered me the job, I had no idea. It wasn’t until I did the read-through for the episode where I come out,” he recalls.

Tom Taylor reflects on his role in ‘Us’ in the Attitude November issue, out now

“I love it. I haven’t played anyone like that before… [but] it’s not a challenge because it’s just the same person isn’t it? It’s the exact same person, they just like men.”

Based on David Nicholls’ 2014 novel of the same name, the four-part drama charts the bittersweet breakdown of a marriage, as Douglas (Tom Hollander) and wife Connie (Saskia Reeves) embark on a make-or-break trip around Europe. Along for the ride is their 17-year-old son Albie, a wannabe photographer, played by Tom.

In the final episode, which aired on BBC One on Sunday, he touchingly comes out to his father – no, you’re crying!

“The main journey for him [Albie] was being disappointing to his dad, which is why the coming-out bit was emotional for him,” Tom, 19, explains.

Tom Taylor with co-stars Tom Hollander and Saskia Reeves/Credit: BBC Studios/Colin Hutton

“He’s always feeling under pressure to never disappoint his dad and he thinks that even with his sexuality that that’s going to be a disappointment.”

The British actor adds that he wanted to make sure he fully prepared for the scene.

He continues: “A lot of people in the film industry, there are quite a few gay people… and I spoke to them. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos. The main thing I got from most people was just that fear, [being] pure scared of what people are going to think, if people are going to change, if they’re going to lose friends.”

Credit: BBC Studios/Colin Hutton

As for what’s next, telly-wise, Tom teases that he is hoping for a follow-up appointment with Doctor Foster.

At the end of the second series, his character, also called Tom, runs away from his warring parents Gemma (Suranne Jones) and Simon (Bertie Carvel).

“I keep chasing them up because I really want to do a third series,” he teases. “[There are] so many options. I’d love for them to try and find me, or I try and find them, and they’ve disappeared. Everything’s apocalyptic… and zombies!”

OK, you’ve lost us…

All episodes of Us are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Read the full interview in the Attitude November issue, out now to download and to order globally.

Subscribe in print and get your first three issues for just £3, or digitally for just £1.54 per issue.