James Northcote Talks The Last Kingdom

Her Righthand Man

James Northcote plays Aldheim in The Last Kingdom and he just spoke about the fifth and final season…

Where do we find Aldhelm in the start of season five? 

So at the end of season four Aldhelm was going into battle with Aethelflaed, with her brother Edward firmly by her side. Season five is kind of a continuation of that. He’s now really become her right hand man. They’re closer than ever in a way that, I think for him, is maybe slightly difficult, but it’s become a really beautiful relationship, a really beautiful friendship. And in some ways Mercia has become a real family unit around Aethelflaed and her very strong and very strong-willed daughter Aelfwynn. So things are really good. Things are really at peace, it’s a really peaceful time in England and, you know, when that’s the case something is round the corner that’s coming to shake things up. So yes, in season five, chaos is coming. 

What can fans expect in season five? 

There’s going to be a lot of death in season five. And that’s really exciting because with death comes drama. I think the fans of the show are going to be shocked, there’s definitely some surprises this year, and it’s a season that’s going to pull on your heartstrings. So hold on to your hankies. 

What was it like working with Alex Dreymon as a director? 

I loved working with Alex as a director. Everyone was really excited from the moment that he stepped on set and took on that role, because watching him work as an actor you know that 20 

he has this incredible holistic view of the show, and the world, and his character, who is so central to the story. So knowing that he was going to bring all of that to this season and to his episode meant that it was really exciting to get to be a part of that. For me personally, I just had such a great experience of being on set with him. He was so sensitive to performance, so playful, so willing to adjust and find the most exciting version of the scene and for me that was just a joy to get to work with. It was really a pleasure to get to work with him as director and as an actor. And to be honest, the moment that you watch him step on set as Uhtred in a scene that he’s directing, your mind does slightly explode. Probably not as much as his does, but it’s a real kind of magic moment. 

What was it like working with the crew? 

The amazing thing about The Last Kingdom crew is it’s just the friendliest place to work. It’s not always easy shooting in -10 temperatures, and it’s not always easy when you’re up to your knees in mud sliding around in a battle, trying not to have your head cut off by a much more experienced stunt person. So we all try and look out for each other. We all try and make sure that everyone gets to work to the best of their abilities, and the crew, both British and Hungarian, are so skilled and so supportive and so passionate about the show. And you can’t say that about every job you work on. We’ve really, really become a team and are so invested in the story and the success of the show and yes, it’s an amazing place to get to work, and the people are incredible. 

How has Aldhelm’s costume evolved? 

Aldhelm has gone on quite a journey, and he starts season two quite kind of courtly. He’s got his long robes, he’s got his little ruffs, and him and Aethelred are kind of dapper pair together. It’s been really, really fun to grow into him as a character, and to grow into the costume. Every single designer every year has just added another layer. This year has definitely got to be one of my favourite costumes. Partly because through all the battles that Aldhelm has gone through, all the scars that he’s got, through all of the things that he’s experienced, for all of the people that he’s fought beside, it feels like he’s just added another layer to him as a soldier and as a warrior, and he’s really become like a general this season. He’s confident, he knows how to command his men. He knows how to be a right hand man to Aethelflaed and be that part of governing that maybe she needs him to be. And I think it really comes across in Howard Burdon’s costume. I love the black chain mail, I’m completely and utterly in love with it. I think it’s so great. And yet also, just the fact that we still have these little circular details that are from the first ever fighting costume that Aldhelm ever wore. So it’s a mixture of continuity and change. And the thing that I think the costume brings to me so much is that Aldhelm has grown into a warrior, but he’s also grown into a knight and, in some ways, he’s slightly different to all of the badass incredible fighters that are in this show because he represents loyalty to somebody. He represents service to somebody and he fights for somebody, always. He doesn’t fight for himself even though he is a bit of a lone wolf, and he navigates his own way through this crazy world of The Last Kingdom. But in the end he’s a knight in service to his lady and I really think that the costume this year has sort of solidified that, and I love it. I think it’s beautiful and I feel very proud to wear it. 

How has The Last Kingdom affected your life and your career? 

The Last Kingdom has affected my life mainly because of the people. The people I’ve met on this show are incredible. I’ve made friendships that will last my entire life. I got married at one point in between seasons and the number of cast members who were at my wedding was amazing. I’ve been able to work in an environment and on a show that is so supportive, and that really tries to push you to do your best work, and to find other parts of your craft, and gives you the space to really play, and try, and make mistakes, and learn, and grow. Everyone who’s worked on this show feels like they’ve grown a huge amount. I know I have. 

Discuss The Last Kingdom’s fans. 

One of the most amazing things about working on The Last Kingdom is the fans. The audience that have come along with us for this journey and been part of the ride are the most supportive, loving community I think I’ve ever had the pleasure interacting with. We’re so lucky to have that, that positivity and that support for the show, and it blows my mind every season how they just come out and support us, and really get behind the show every season. We couldn’t hope for better fans.