Da Vinci's Demons: brief Telegraph interview

The Telegraph shared a brief interview with Tom at last week's Bafta rising stars party, held at the Savoy in London. 

When one thinks of Leonardo Da Vinci, rippling muscles are not the first thing that spring to mind.

Still, Tom Riley, 30, who is to play the Renaissance painter in a BBC drama called Da Vinci’s Demons, is putting himself through a gruelling fitness regime. He tells me at an Esquire party at the Savoy: “It will be a bit like the Robert Downey Jr version of Sherlock Holmes. So that’s why I’m expected to be in really good shape.”

The Genesis Foundation posted about Tom's brilliant casting news on their website, and shared this photo of him. 

Monroe 2 directors confirmed & Da Vinci's Demons in Wales?

Mammoth Screen very kindly confirmed the new directors for series 2 of  Monroe. 

@darcylicious it's true - Brian Kelly (late of Downton Abbey) joins Damon Thomas to direct Monroe 2! And new cast member @TracyAnnO!

— Mammoth Screen (@mammothscreen) February 14, 2012

The LA Times has an interview with Jane Tranter, head of BBC Worldwide productions, which mentions Da Vinci's Demons being filmed in Wales!

Tranter's group is creating original shows in collaboration with premium movie channel Starz. This summer, the companies plan to begin shooting "Da Vinci's Demons," an ambitious historical fantasy exploring the early life of Leonardo da Vinci, at an elaborate set in Wales built to resemble 15th century Italy.

Monroe 2 & Da Vinci's Demons updates

Photographer John Wright, who took the gorgeous photos for the November 2011 edition of GQ, has uploaded a large, unmarked version of this photo to his website. Click on 'faces' and scroll along to see it. He also uploaded a clip of the photoshoot to You Tube.

While Monroe 2 continues filming, it seems there is a new director on board - Damon Thomas. According to Twitter, Monroe will be entered into this year's Rose d'Or Festival.

@ITV is taking part in this years festival "monroe" itv.co/hlW4t7 in the category #series #RDO12

— Rose d'Or Festival (@therosedor) January 25, 2012

Tom's amazing casting news seemed to explode over the internet in the last couple of days. Articles mentioning Da Vinci's Demons can be found on all the major online news and entertainment sites, including Reuters, Variety, EW, and Deadline.com. 

Da Vinci's Demons: BBC Press release

The BBC press release for Da Vinci's Demons provides more details behind the hugely exciting news about Tom's casting for this series, with lovely comments about his audition. ...