Richard Madden on being told to lose weight for roles: ‘It doesn’t just happen to women’

‘We’re projecting a very unrealistic body image’

Bodyguard star Richard Madden has opened up about being asked to lose weight for roles, saying that it "doesn't just happen to women".

The actor, who won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of PS David Budd in the hit BBC television show, explains that he sometimes feels pressured into toning his physique in preparation for nude scenes.

"We're projecting a very unrealistic body image," the 32-year-old tells British Vogue.

"I find myself with actor friends - after we've done a kind of barely eating, working-out-twice-a-day, no-carbing thing for these scenes - looking at each other going: 'We're just feeding this same s**t that we're against."

Madden adds that in his opinion, scrutiny of actors' bodies isn't an issue that solely affects women in his profession.

“I’ve done numerous jobs where you’re told to lose weight and get to the gym,” he states.

“It doesn’t just happen to women, it happens to men all the time as well."

In a 2018 interview with Mr Porter magazine, Madden explained that being told to lose weight for a role "actually gets in the way of the job".

"Not everyone walks around with six-packs – unless you’re on Love Island," the actor added.

Madden has spoken openly in the past about the body insecurities he had as a child, explaining that his confidence was knocked while attending school in Paisley, Scotland.

“I was fat and shy,” he said.

“Crushingly shy, going to what was a fairly tough high school. Aggressive, masculine. So I thought the best thing to do would be an actor! Not go and play football or get good at boxing. I’ll go and be an actor!"

Some suspect Madden may be in the running to succeed Daniel Craig as the next James Bond.

However, the actor tells British Vogue he'd "absolutely" be open to playing a supporting role alongside a female Bond.

“If it was a good part. If it was an interesting part, a Bond Boy would be an interesting dynamic. Why not?" he states.