Romola Garai has declared she's hit her 'midlife sexpot era' in a candid new interview about her role in the steamy drama Adultery. The Bafta-winning actress, 41, opened up about filming raunchy scenes in a cramped car and the complexities of playing a cheating wife.
Romola Garai on Her Midlife Sexpot Era
Garai, known for her roles in Atonement and The Hour, is embracing a new chapter in her career. 'I've hit my midlife sexpot era!' she laughs. The actress stars as Beth, a personal trainer who embarks on a torrid affair with GP Tom, played by Dominic Cooper, in Danny Brocklehurst's six-part series Adultery.
The show, billed as a 'steamy, scandalous romance', explores the fallout when their teenage children start dating, throwing the two married adults together. What follows is an intense, illicit relationship that threatens to unravel both families.
Filming Sex Scenes in a Toyota Yaris
In a hilarious anecdote, Garai recalls shooting a pivotal car sex scene in a blue Toyota Yaris during a storm in the Peak District. 'It can pose challenges, depending on the size of the car,' she chuckles. 'Me and Dominic got in this hatchback and asked: How far do these seats go back?'
As the wind howled outside, the crew battled the elements while the actors stayed put. 'They said: You guys stay in there, don't get out! while all the lights were getting blown away.' What did the co-stars do? 'What actors always do in these situations – have a long, gossipy conversation about people in the industry.'

The Challenges of Portraying Infidelity
Garai admits that playing a cheater is emotionally complex. 'There's a lot of guilt and misery that comes with it,' she says. 'But also this incredible, undeniable attraction. It's a heady mix.'
The actress hopes the series will spark conversations about marriage, desire, and the compromises people make. 'It's not just about sex; it's about what happens when you feel unseen in your own life.'
Adultery: A Modern Take on Forbidden Love
Created by Bafta-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, Fool Me Once), Adultery promises to be a gripping watch. The six-part drama delves into the consequences of infidelity, not just for the couple but for their children and extended families.
With Garai and Cooper at the helm, the series is expected to be a ratings winner. The chemistry between the two leads is already generating buzz, and the car scene is just one of many steamy moments.
Key Takeaways from Romola Garai's Interview
- Garai embraces her 'midlife sexpot era' with a bold new role.
- Filming sex scenes in a small car during a storm was both challenging and amusing.
- The drama Adultery explores the emotional fallout of infidelity.
- Garai and co-star Dominic Cooper bonded over industry gossip between takes.
Comparing Romola Garai's Career Highlights
| Year | Project | Role | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Atonement | Briony Tallis | Drama |
| 2011-2013 | The Hour | Bel Rowley | Drama |
| 2020 | The Trial of Christine Keeler | Christine Keeler | Drama |
| 2024 | Adultery | Beth | Drama |
FAQ
What is Romola Garai's new drama about?
Adultery is a six-part drama about two married people, Beth and Tom, who embark on an intense affair after their teenage children start dating. It explores the consequences of their actions on their families.
Who does Romola Garai play in Adultery?
Romola Garai plays Beth, a personal trainer who is married but falls into a passionate affair with Tom, a GP played by Dominic Cooper.
When does Adultery air?
Adultery is expected to air in late 2024 on a major UK network. Exact release dates will be announced soon.