Great Expectations has started airing on BBC One and follows the orphan Pip (Fionn Whitehead), who yearns for more from 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 everything 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 treats Pip in Charles Dickens’ novel.
Many characters are joined by Jaggers and his law firm, including Miss Havisham.
A complex character can be very secretive about the work he does as people who have successfully defended criminals.
He sometimes acts polite and kind, but he is entirely clothed with an outward coldness.
As played by Ashley Thomas, the actor is known as Bashy.
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He is a 38-year-old actor and rapper who previously starred on the Ipcress Album.
His other credits include: League, Top Boy, NYPD Blue and Black Mirror.
The star revealed about the first Great Expectations story’s impact on him and how his interpretation of the character is unique.
He said: “Honestly, I first heard that Great Expectations was right in passing.”
“But I first threw myself into it when I took on the role of Mr Jaggers.
“I always wanted to be involved in this era and I felt like this was the right time to do it.
“I did some Dickens in secondary school actually, I did Oliver Twist. I played Artful Dodger and there are some old pictures of me.”
“It’s been with me in a top hat and coat tails since I was like 15 years old. It’s so cool to transition into this adult time and delve into the world of Dickens.”
Dismissing the claims of “awakened” in the new adaptation, he said: “Also in the book, Jaggers is described as a man of terrible and very dark complexion, so it is interesting the casting choice that they have gone with this opportunity.
“Representation is key and that’s across the board, whether it’s where someone is, their sexuality or their religious background.
“It’s truer to life and better to the truth of the matter. 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 hostess Molly.
Jaggers is Miss Havisham’s lawyer and is responsible for taking care of Estella (Shalom Brune-Franklin).
Pip first encountered Jaggers at Miss Havisham’s house, the Fair House, as a child.
Years later, Jaggers visits Pip and Joe Gargery (Owen McDonnell) at his factory home to deliver good news.
Jaggers ended up being Pip’s guardian while he was in London, responsible for managing the affairs of Pip’s mysterious benefactor.
The actor said that working with Fionn Whitehead was very interesting in the TV adaptation.
He added: “He’s a really talented actor and we went on set. He wants to play his music from a small speaker and I love music too.
“We’re really capturing the vibe and laughing, making jokes and just enjoying each other’s company. I think they have rings across the board.”
“Even though, at first, the characters are at odds, they get together and get closer and our off-screen relationship starts to show. The comfort between us shines through.”
Great Expectations on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm
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