In Hollywood, hookups aren’t a new concept. This tradition is as old as time. Some of these affairs even resulted in happy marriages, but others didn’t.
“The Pursuit of Love,” which was Amazon’s most recent project, was released in May 2021. Despite the film’s intriguing message to all, the behind-the-scenes drama has come to the forefront. This almost overshadowed the series’ incredible story and reviews.
With the release of the film, the on-screen romance between Lily James and Dominic West became even creepier.
Before this, James and West were photographed sharing an electric scooter around the city and eating lunch together. Later, West was seen affectionately caressing James’ head and planted a kiss on her cheek.
According to reports from Daily Mail, the co-stars were not alone for the meal. They were joined by their friend and mutual manager, Angharad Wood.
West’s public display of affection was not limited to lunch. In one of the photos, he was seen putting his hand on James’ back as the “Downton Abbey” star took photos of the sights.
He also rode on the scooter right behind her. It was later reported that the actors of the mini-series appeared to take a break from work in Italy together. To spend time with each other.
What’s ‘The Pursuit Of Love’ About?
“The Pursuit of Love” is a drama series that was based on Nancy Mitford’s novel of the same name. The series detailed romance, class politics, friendships, and the extent to which one spirited lady went to experience the rush of love.
It focused on two cousins who also doubled as best friends– Linda Radlett, who was played by Lily James, and Fanny Logan, who was played by Emily Beecham.
Fanny is the narrator of the story. She explained that Christmases for her were defined by visiting her Uncle Matthew and the Radlett’s at their lowly estate at Alconleigh.
While Fanny followed a pretty straightforward trajectory in life, which included following the rules and settling down with a kind scholar, Linda threw all caution to the wind and rode on the wind’s back.
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She first married a handsome, right-wing politician. This was against her family’s wishes, and it immediately ended in a disaster.
After wasting seven years partying with the “Bright Young Things” of London, she fell hard for a young Communist named Christian Talbot. She eventually divorced her husband, and this caused a scandal that led up to her running away to Southern France to volunteer aid in the Spanish Civil War.
Later, Linda wound up in Paris with a new lover. This was before World War II, which brought her back to the UK to experience more tragedy.
West And James’ Career
James’ foray into acting was a role in “Just William.” This was before she landed a role in the 2011 film “Diary of a Call Girl.” That same year she appeared in “Downton Abbey” where she played Lady Rose. She became a regular in the series’ fourth and fifth seasons.
In 2015, she took on a major role, playing the titular character in 2015’s “Cinderella.” James returned to TV in 2016 with another BBC series titled “War & Peace.” She went on to appear in the Pride and Prejudice parody film “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.”
In 2017, the actor appeared in several other blockbusters. This included “Baby Driver” alongside Ansel Elgort and Meryl Streep’s younger version in “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”
She also made an appearance in “All About Eve playing Eve” and in “Rebecca” where she played the second Mrs. de Winter. In 2020, James landed the lead role in an upcoming miniseries which detailed the life of Pamela Anderson. It was titled “Pam & Tommy.”
On the other hand, West also has an expansive career that included appearing in various shows and movies. His most notable role was in “The Wire,” where he played detective Jimmy McNulty.
He then appeared in “A Christmas Carol” as Fred and played a disfigured supervillain in “Marvel’s Punisher: War Zone.”
He was also a voice actor in Eminem’s album “Relapse” and played the character of Noah Soloway on “The Affair.”
In 2012, the Game of Thrones showrunners offered West a role in the series, but he turned it down because he didn’t want to spend much time away from his family.
Reason For The Creepiness
James and West both starred in the critically acclaimed “The Pursuit of Love.” He played the role of her uncle, who the viewers later discovered was her father.
West’s character was delivered as a cruel man who took pleasure in asserting his authority and didn’t believe women should be educated.
Although their secret affair is a creepy one, the situation was made worse with the realization that West is married. Decider noted that West tried to get ahead of the rumors when pictures of him and James kissing surfaced online.
The outlet stated that his damage control tactic was to fly back to his wife and take photos with her. This was to prove the solidity of their marriage.
On the other hand, James remained quiet except for a cryptic statement saying, “there is a lot to say.”
West’s Marriage Is Going Strong
West and wife Catherine FitzGerald insisted on writing a handwritten note to show to paparazzi that their marriage “is strong.”
They also kissed for photographers outside their family home–after pictures emerged of West getting cozy with his co-actress in Italy.
“Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together,” read the note which was signed by the couple. “Thank you.”
Notably, “The Affair” actor wasn’t wearing his wedding band and FitzGerald kept her left hand in her pocket. West declined to answer any questions regarding his tryst with his co-star in the series “Pursuit of Love.”
West and FitzGerald have been married since 2010 and share three children together. West also shares one child with ex, Polly Astor.
