Photographer: David Reiss / Styling: Holly White / Make-up: Sara Hill / Hair: Sophie Sugarman

Ceara Coveney On The Wheel Of Time Season 3

Photographer: David Reiss / Styling: Holly White / Make-up: Sara Hill / Hair: Sophie Sugarman

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Ceara Coveney On The Wheel Of Time Season 3

20 hours ago

The Wheel of Time season 3 is streaming now on Prime Video

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Prime Video’s popular fantasy series The Wheel of Time is finally back for season 3, with Rosamund Pike back at the fore as powerful Aes Sedai Moiraine Damodred. She’s joined by Ceara Coveney, who we sat down with to talk all about what’s to come.

Photographer: David Reiss
Styling: Holly White
Make-up: Sara Hill
Hair: Sophie Sugarman

Interview: Ceara Coveney

Hi Ceara, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is going really well, thank you. I’m having a lovely time.

You are about to return to our screens in The Wheel of Time – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

It’s a fantasy series led by Rosamund Pike with a stellar cast packed with incredible actors based on the epic fantasy novels by Robert Jordan. Filled with magic, prophecy and epic battles, the series follows a world on the brink of war – where one person is destined to save or destroy it. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy or not, there’s something in it for everyone!

What can we expect from season 3?

More unbelievable landscapes, exciting new characters, incredible fight scenes, romance, drama, you name it.

You play Elayne Trakand – how would you describe her?

She’s intelligent, determined and politically savvy. Although her confidence can sometimes verge on arrogance with a sprinkle of stubbornness, she’s compassionate, courageous and fiercely loyal to her friends, which I think is what makes her so likeable and relatable.

What is it like playing her?

Honestly, so fun! She is such a know it all. She has some really cool friends and is always on an adventure somewhere hunting someone down. I love that no matter what she’s facing, she embraces it with enthusiasm. She is so multifaceted and layered and is such a joy to play.

Did you learn anything new about her when you returned for season 3?

Absolutely! When we were first introduced to her last season, she was very much a sheltered princess, but this season she goes on this journey of self-discovery. She’s navigating the complexities of her power and responsibility, balancing the expectations of two powerful influential figures in her life, her mother and Siuan, as well as her own expectations and desires for herself. Elayne learns a lot about herself over the season, so I felt like I was on this journey of discovery with her. In particular, I learnt how truly powerful she is, although I’m not sure she quite knows that herself yet. But she will.

How do you get into character?

I have quite a lengthy getting ready process on this show. I wear a wig and have these intricate costumes, so I find that whole process very transformative. It’s quite hard to feel like yourself when you look so vastly different. We are also so lucky to work on these fully-realised, detailed sets that feel like they are straight off the pages of the books, so I try to really tap into that and lose myself in the environment around me.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

We shot a scene in Slovenia that was pretty remarkable; our surroundings were so beautiful, it was otherworldly. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some of the most beautiful places on this show.

What was the cast dynamic on set?

We’re always catching a joke and having a laugh on set, especially in big group scenes when there’s a lot of us in together. We’re constantly getting told off and told to focus. A lot of what we’re doing on set is very high stakes and intense, so we are always keeping the mood light in between takes.

Ceara Coveney (Elayne Trakand) & Ayoola Smart (Aviendha) in The Wheel of Time Season 3. (Prime Video)

What has been your favourite project to date?

I absolutely loved working on Luna Carmoon’s debut feature film Hoard; it holds a really special place in my heart.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

Ooh… I can’t say too much, but I’m filming a project at the moment that I’m having a lot of fun working on.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with so far?

It’s not a specific person but I’d say working with the cast of Hoard. There was so much care for the project and the work. We’d all stay in character in between takes, having a natter about baby clothes and what time Mothercare closes. It felt truly supportive and collaborative so I think I’d have to say that lovely lot.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I remember on my first job, Young Wallander, my character wore this gorgeous black wool coat from COS and my lovely co-star Leanne Best encouraged me to ask costume at the end of the job if I could keep it and… I did. Now it’s a staple in my wardrobe and I would never have asked if it wasn’t for her! She taught me so much on that job, especially about confidence, trusting myself and taking up space, and they’re lessons I now take with me on every set!

What’s your dream role?

Celia St James from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d love to do more period dramas. I want to dive into researching a period, the hair, the make-up, the costumes. Sign me up!

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Andrea Arnold.

Photographer: David Reiss
Styling: Holly White
Make-up: Sara Hill
Hair: Sophie Sugarman

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

I try to prioritise my personal life as much as I can; family events, friends’ birthdays, concerts, I will do everything I can to be there! Working as an actor can be very all consuming and work demands a lot of your time and energy. It can be very easy to submit to that and you quickly lose the balance. That’s why I always try to make a conscious effort to carve out time for things that matter to me. It isn’t always easy to maintain but it’s essential.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I try to spend as much time at home as I can – it really is my safe space and where I recharge. When work is busy, I get to spend so little time at home, it really does just become a place to sleep, so I really try to cherish it when I do have more time.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I currently live in London, but I grew up just outside of Swindon with the countryside on my doorstep. I need them both like yin and yang. I love being in the city. I love that there’s always something to do, a new restaurant to try and there’s a real buzz to city life. But I also crave the peace and space of the countryside. I find town living very grounding and reenergising. I can’t stay one or the other place too long; I prefer to have a balance of both.

What’s your interior design style?

I’d say it’s functional minimalism. I like my space to be serene and calming but not void of warmth and personality. I love soft lighting, natural materials with pops of colour and personal touches. I also adore second-hand and vintage furniture; I think it adds so much charm and character.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I always wanted to be a popstar. My karaoke machine and SingStar were staples of my childhood.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

I wish I could let her know that we’re going to be OK. She was very worried about the future, making the right choices and she cared a lot about what other people thought of her. Maybe if she knew it was all going to be fine, she could enjoy the moment a bit more. Oh, and I’d tell her to stop being so grumpy and be nice to your mum!

How can we all live a little bit better?

Acknowledge the good in your life. Even the small things.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

A couple of my friends are getting married this year, so I’m excited to celebrate them. Professionally, my lips are sealed, but I have a really good feeling about this year!