Watch Great Expectations Extended Trailer
Great Expectations has started airing on BBC One and it follows orphan Pip (played by Fionn Whitehead), who yearns for more out of life. His life is turned upside down when he meets the eccentric Miss Havisham (Olivia Colman), who shows him a dark world of possibilities. Express.co.uk has all you need to know about the character Mr Jaggers (Ashley Thomas).
Who is Mr Jaggers in Great Expectations?
Jaggers is described as a pragmatic lawyer who handles the affairs of Pip in the Charles Dickens novel.
Many of the characters are linked through Jaggers and his law firm, including Miss Havisham.
The complex character can be very secretive about the work he does as he has successfully defended people who are guilty.
He does show kindness and humanity occasionally, but it is all disguised by his cold exterior.
The character is played by Ashley Thomas, also known by his stage name Bashy.
The 38-year-old is an actor and rapper who has previously starred in The Ipcress File.
His other credits include Them: Covenant, Top Boy, NYPD Blue and Black Mirror.
The star opened up about the first time the Great Expectations story had an impact on him and how the interpretation of his character is unique.
He said: “Being honest, the first time I heard of Great Expectations properly was just in passing.
“However, the first time I dived into it was when I took on the role of Mr Jaggers.
“I had always wanted to get involved in this era and I felt like this was the right chance to do it.
“I did some Dickens in secondary school actually, we did Oliver Twist. I played the Artful Dodger and there are some old pictures of me.
“It’s me with the top hat and the tail coat when I’m like 15 years old. So it’s cool to transition into this time as an adult and dive into the world of Dickens.”
Dismissing claims of “woke” casting in the new adaptation, he said: “Even in the book, Jaggers is described as a burly man and of exceedingly dark complexion, so it’s interesting the casting choice that they have gone with on this occasion.
“Representation is key and that’s across the board, whether that’s where someone is from, their sexual orientation, or religious background.
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“It’s more true to life and better for the authenticity of projects. I don’t think we should shy away from that.”
In the novel Mr Jaggers is based near the Smithfield area of London and is served by his assistant, Mr Wemmick (Rudi Dharmalingam) and his housekeeper, Molly.
Jaggers is Miss Havisham’s lawyer and is responsible for placing Estella (Shalom Brune-Franklin) in her care.
Pip first encountered Jaggers on a visit to Miss Havisham’s home, Satis House, as a boy.
As the years went by, Jaggers visited Pip and Joe Gargery (Owen McDonnell) at their forge home to deliver the good news Pip is to become a gentleman.
Jaggers ended up as Pip’s guardian whilst he was in London, responsible for managing the affairs of Pip’s mysterious benefactor.
The actor said working with Fionn Whitehead has been very interesting in the TV adaptation.
He added: “He is a really talented actor and we have been getting along on set. He likes to play his music from his little speaker and I love music as well.
“We have been really catching a vibe and laughing, making jokes and just enjoying each other’s company. I think that rings through on screen.
“Even though, at first, the characters are at odds, they come together and get closer and our relationship off-screen starts to show on screen. There is a comfortability between us that is shining through.”
Great Expectations airs on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm
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