‘It terrified me’: Richard Gadd on his follow-up to Baby Reindeer

Richard Gadd’s portrayal of Ruben in his new BBC series Half Man marks a significant departure from his prior work, according to the actor. “It felt entirely different from my previous roles,” he says. “The experience was so intense, it left me shaken.” The six-part drama traces three decades in the lives of Niall and Ruben, once inseparable friends during their teenage years. Their bond, initially described as “unbreakable and unshakable,” gradually fractures as they confront personal struggles.

Transforming for the role

Creating the character of Ruben required Gadd to make drastic changes to his appearance and demeanor. He adopted a “terrible beard,” altered his hair, and bulked up his physique. “I had to reinvent myself completely,” he explains. “If people thought of me as the hard-edged, masculine figure from Baby Reindeer, I needed to embody that transformation fully.” The challenge of stepping into the role was daunting, as Gadd feared “looking like a fool” if he failed to meet expectations.

The series begins with a violent conflict at Niall’s wedding, shifting between the 1980s and the present to unravel the evolution of their friendship. Gadd aimed to explore family dynamics and the weight of hidden truths. “The story is about how repression affects people,” he says. “Even in a city that’s grown more accepting, Niall is still trapped by his own demons.” Glasgow, now a “cultural capital of the world,” contrasts with Gadd’s childhood perception of it as a “scary” place.

“I think the things people fear most are themselves,” Gadd reflects. “I’ve lived through challenges that came from holding back, and that’s what I wanted to show here.”

When casting Jamie Bell as Niall, Gadd was drawn to the actor’s versatility. “Bell is an underrated talent,” he notes. “He’s perfect for the role, especially with his upcoming work on Peaky Blinders.” The actor emphasizes that viewers should form their own interpretations of the story’s conclusion. “No matter what they think the ending means, that’s what it is.”

Half Man airs weekly on BBC iPlayer, starting Friday, 24 April.