London Spy writer was surprised anyone was shocked by gay sex scenes
The writer of BBC gay spy drama London Spy, has said he is surprised that gay sex scenes “shocked anyone”.
Tom Rob Smith caught up with the Guardian to say he was surprised that the scene, which appeared in episode one of the drama, shocked people.
He said: “I thought a gay love story might not be embraced by everyone, but I was really surprised that Danny and Alex’s sex scene in episode one shocked anyone. It was as mild as I could have made it.”
Going on, Smith said he thought more people would complain about a second sex scene, which included an orgy.
“I was less surprised by the second one [an orgy] creating a stir, but the two scenes were narrative counterpoints – you needed to see one to fully understand the other,” he continued.
Asked why he thought the series saw an emotional response, he said: “We watch things to connect with people. Lots of people out there are struggling to find their way. Danny and Alex were lost in very different ways, then found each other.”
Of fan-made art of the characters, which Smith himself has tweeted, he said: “Huge shows like Sherlock or Doctor Who would get that, but I’ve never experienced anything like it. The level of care and detail, and from people all over the world – they were beautiful pictures even if they were from people who’d watched the show illegally…”
Fans will be sad to hear that there will not be a second series of the show.
Smith went on : “The BBC have asked and my instinct is that it probably shouldn’t continue. If you’ve lost the two central relationships, who would you be spinning Danny through? I preferred Charlotte and Ben going head to head, I don’t know whether they’d have the same spark as friends.”
Despite earlier reports claiming otherwise, Ofcom confirmed it will not investigate London Spy.
Ofcom has said it will not investigate BBC drama London Spy – as it believes the show was “appropriately scheduled”.
The decision comes after The Sun falsely reported that the show was to be investigated over its “explicit sex scenes and nudity” earlier this year.
BAFTA-winning Ben Whishaw plays Danny in the drama series – described as “beautifully written”, by a BBC drama commissioner.
The show has won positive reviews from critics and viewers alike – with Whishaw’s portrayal receiving particular praise.
