Break Clause: Interview with Samuel Bottomley

New Channel 4 drama Break Clause follows Ben and Lil as they navigate their first real heartbreak — while being forced to live under the same roof. After four years at Leeds Uni, Lil lands a job in London and convinces Ben to make the move with her. But as doubts about their future together begin to creep in, Ben makes a drunken mistake on their final night up north, sleeping with someone else.

He keeps it from Lil until their first night in London, when the truth finally comes out — only for them to realise they’re already tied into a six-month rental contract. With nowhere else to go, they’re left with no choice but to live out their break clause together. Break Clause will launch on Channel 4 on Thursday 1st October at 10PM. If you think it sounds familiar, it’s because a pilot version originally aired a couple of year’s ago as part of Channel 4’s Comedy Blap strand.

Samuel Bottomley plays Ben.

What do you think audiences will enjoy about Break Clause? 

I think it will be relatable to a lot of people. The tension and claustrophobia of living with someone that you’ve loved and still love is pretty universal and it’s definitely a thing people have gone through when they buy a flat with someone and then decide they don’t want to be together anymore.

What makes the show visually distinctive?

The visual style is really interesting because our Director of Photography Will Hanke is just so switched on when it comes to camera work and we’ve got a really amazing crew filled with really talented people. The set we had was amazing. It really did feel like we were in a flat in London and when you were in there for a few hours you started to forget where you really were. It’s great performance wise.

Who is Ben?

Ben is an aspiring writer from Leeds who met Lil while they were both studying at Leeds University. He’s someone who is very very close to his mum and dad, loves his friends and family, but most of all, absolutely adores Lil.

Where do we find Ben at the start of the series?

I think it’s quite difficult for Ben to live in such a complex situation with his partner and also being in a new city where he’s trying to find a job, his feet and figure out where his relationship is going to go. I think Lil had more of a reason to come down to London and it’s quite difficult for Ben to navigate his way through it.

If you were friends with Ben in real life, what would you say to him?

I’d say you’ve got to get out of there as fast as you can mate! Get yourself back up north.

What was it like working with the cast and crew?

It was a lot of really kind, creative, and young people and it was so exciting to work with them. Lara was just outstanding.

Three emojis to describe the show?

Crying emoji, laughing emoji and the love heart.

Watch the trailer for the original version of Break Clause, a pilot created as part of the Comedy Blap strand. The new version is a six part series.

Break Clause will launch on Channel 4 on Thursday 1st October at 10PM.

Share this post with someone you think would like it: