Ioan Gruffudd: We didn't want to portray him as a saintly character. We wanted to portray him as a real human being. Because we are telling the story through a film, so we have to have the audience attracted by the characters on screen. So I wanted to make him a real three-dimensional person. But certainly, the religious aspect of this character wasn't really foreign to me, because I was raised in a Christian, chapel-going independent environment in Wales. So it wasn't foreign to me to lie there on the grass and talk to God.
Rachel (Premier Radio): Do you still?
(Laughter)
Ioan Gruffudd: I don't necessarily lie on the grass. But yes, it's part of my family's life.
Vicky (Premier): Michael, Christians will appreciate the scene where Wilberforce talks to God and his faith is portrayed, but how do you think a wider audience will connect with that?
Michael Apted: I think they will connect, because it's part of his complicated character. And it seemed so crucial to me that we did put a loop between spirituality and politics. That particular scene where he's lying on the grass talking to God and where he stands up in the club and sings ("Amazing Grace") - these are dangerous scenes. You think 'Oh my God, is anyone going to buy this?' But I think you just have to go for it. You can't pre-judge it, you can't apologise for it. This is who the character was. We think we've got a balanced character. We've got him doing all sorts of things... dirty tricks in Parliament. And this is an important part of his life, so why shy away from it. Those are scary moments- when you have to just embrace something and just do it.
Courtney (Christian Today): Youssou, as a singer, did you have the opportunity to sing the song "Amazing Grace" at some point?
Youssou N'Dour: Yea, I'm looking to develop things more between music and acting. I'm really happy to sing the song. Even though this song is a really Christian song. I'm Muslim. But I can understand behind this message a lot of great things. I think whether you're a Muslim or Christian, the message is the same. Understanding when people apologise. When someone apologises, 'now my eyes are open' - and I want to experience something like that.
Jo (Independent Catholic News): Youssou- in your music, have you written about any human rights issues?
Youssou N'Dour : Yea, it's nothing new to me. I decided from long ago that I could do more than just record things or play live. That I could deliver a message behind my music. Sometimes that is a faster way to get a message across.
Jo (Independent Catholic News): Ioan, how did you get on with Albert Finney and Michael Gambon?
