Earlier today we journeyed to The Hub 5 where we were given the opportunity to speak to Kai Owen, who of course plays Gwen’s other half, Rhys Williams, in the series. 

You can read our exclusive Q&A with Kai below, and we’d just like to say a big thanks to him for taking the time out to answer our questions!

He’ll be back on our screens as Rhys next year in Torchwood’s fourth series, The New World.

Q. How did your role in Torchwood come about?
A. Well, they were creating the series and they needed a partner for Gwen, and I got a call from my agent saying I had an audition for Torchwood so they sent me a couple of scenes from the first episode. I went along and I met the casting director and Brian Kelly (director), and two days later I got a call saying I’d got it. 

Q. Were you a fan of Doctor Who before you joined Torchwood?
A. Yeah, I was a massive fan and still am, so when I heard that there was going to be a spin off I thought it was a great idea. I grew up with Peter Davison and Tom Baker and I remember I loved the theme tune when I was a kid. Still love it today.

Q. In Series 1, Rhys helped to show the audience the contrast between Gwen’s normal world and her new life with Torchwood, but were you happy when he became a much more significant part of the team?
A. In a way, I think they kind of had to do that because this guy could only be kept in the dark for so long with so many massive events going on with Gwen. I was happy when I found out but I’m also happy not to be a full part of the team, because I think it’s really important that he stays the real man on the street and remains the eyes and ears of the general public, really. He’s a normal guy who sees things and says things like a normal person would.

Q. Would you say you relate to your character at all?
A. I do relate to him, yeah. I’m a Welshman very much like him, and I’m also totally in love with Eve Myles like Rhys. I think I do relate to him a lot actually because I bring a lot to myself to the character really. He likes his food! There are parts of me that don’t relate as well, because I think I’m much more of a coward but Rhys is quite brave and strong.

Q. How would you react in real life if your partner told you they were working for a secret alien-fighting organisation?
A. I think I’d be ok about it. It wouldn’t freak me out, but I would be intrigued.

Q. What do you think it is about Torchwood that has made it so popular?
A. I just think there’s nothing like it on TV. The concept’s great, Russell T Davies is so clever, he’s a genius, and it’s just led superbly by John and Eve. I think for people who like a bit of escapism it’s fantastic. It’s just gone from strength to strength.

Q. You’ll be back as Rhys in The New World next year. Can you tell us anything about the series?
A. I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything because I don’t know anything! We start filming in January and it’s going to be one long story over 10 episodes, but what it’s about I have no idea!

Q. The last time we saw Gwen and Rhys, they were expecting their first child. What do you think Rhys will be like as a father?
A. I just know Rhys will be an amazing father. He’ll love it. He’s so warm and giving, and it’s everything he’s ever wanted, to have a family with Gwen. Rhys will be great and so will Gwen. He’ll love being a dad!

Q. How do you think Rhys will react when Jack returns to Gwen’s life after their farewell at the end of the last series?
A. To be honest, he’s probably happier when Jack’s out of the picture, but he understands now that this is what Gwen does. I think there’s a part of him that’s jealous about him, but there’s also a big part that knows that he’ll always look after Gwen and have her best interests at heart.

Q. What do you see Gwen and Rhys doing in ten years’ time?
A. Oh, good God! They’ll probably be travelling through the universe with their little baby in a time machine.

Q. What have been your personal Torchwood highlights so far?
A. Oh, there’s so, so many! It’s just a joy to be on set. They’re all brilliant. I adore Eve and I adore working with her, and everyday is different on it. I think it’s just that buzz, that feeling you get when you go into work today thinking, “I’m working on Torchwood!”. We’re so privileged and just so lucky to be part of it. There’s a real excitement about it when you’re on set because it’s not like a stereotypical drama. I think it’s that that excites me.

Finally, what three words would you use to describe Rhys and Gwen’s relationship?
A. Loud, hungry and sexy. There you go!

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Stay tuned as we’ll be posting our exclusive interview with Gareth David-Lloyd soon…