The One Show: Richard E Grant ‘terrified’ over Star Wars secret

Richard E Grant stars as Allegiant General Pryde in the final Star Wars film following the arc of the Skywalkers. The ninth instalment closes the story of Luke (played by Mark Hamill) and Leia (Carrie Fisher) as well as those closest to them. During an interview on The One Show, Richard spoke of his relief at being able to discuss the film as he had feared being fired throughout production. The Star Wars films established a tradition of using revered actors in lead roles in 1977, with Star Wars: A New Hope casting Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin. That tradition has continued across the franchise and now includes another grand name of the screen: Richard E Grant. In the new film, he plays Allegiant General Pryde, a senior commander in the First Order who is dedicated to the destruction of the Rebellion. However, for quite some time Richard feared he would be fired from the film.  READ MORE Alex Scott hits out over suggestion she ‘didn’t last long’ in punditry  During an interview on The One Show, hosted by Patrick Kielty and Alex Scott, he was asked by Patrick how hard it was to keep secrets, given he doesn’t like secrets. Richard suggested that keeping schtum about his role and all that he knew might count as a performance. “It was the hardest thing, but because I was so terrified that I’d be fired by Disney. “So I never even told my wife and daughter the name of my character, because I thought that if I told them, then I’d be a blabbermouth and they would somebody else, and then I’d be in big trouble, and I’d be fired  This required some concentration from Richard throughout the shoot, resisting the urge to say anything for almost a year: “So I kept quiet for nine months.” It became clear during the interview that he was determined to say nothing as the films have meant so much to him throughout his life. When asked how it was to join the Star Wars family, Richard spoke about his first encounter with the films and how they have subsequently stayed with him. “It’s absolutely brilliant. I saw the first one when I was 20-years-old in 1977 when I was a drama student.   “So to have followed this so faithfully for 42 years and then to finally get to be in the final one was absolutely off the chart for me. I was thrilled.” Richard wasn’t alone in finding becoming part of the Star Wars universe a little overwhelming. Kelly Marie Tran, who plays Rose Tico and whose first-ever film was The Last Jedi, was asked how she found joining such a massive story having never worked on a film before. “It’s horrifying, it’s truly horrifying. I went from working a day job and auditioning, going straight into The Last Jedi, which was horrifying and wonderful. Trending READ MORE Dracula on BBC: What scene was actor Claes Bang most 'terrified' of  “I feel like I just got the golden ticket. It’s been really special.” What’s also special is how Kelly Marie managed to go back to work after finding out she won the part to w

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