"It was deeply stressful for my wife and my kids"— Dominic West reacts to rumors after being spotted with Lily James while being married

The Crown actor Dominic West opens up about the stressful phase that followed his rumored spotting with Lily James in Rome. During that period, West was married to his current wife Catherine FitzGerald. In an interview with The Sunday Times published on Sunday, April 21, West said—

"It was deeply stressful for my wife and my kids, but there were lighter moments."

After the rumors spread like wildfire, the couple placed a handwritten note outside their residence, that read—

"Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together. Thank you. Catherine and Dominic."

Dominic West, (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)

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British actor Dominic West opens up about rumors of an extra-marital affair with Cinderella actress Lily James

In the interview, Dominic West discussed the troubles he and his family had to go through when rumors of his extra-marital affair with Lily James were all around, back in 2020. It was the time when the two actors were shooting for The Pursuit of Love in Rome. The 54-year-old actor said in the interview—

"I'd had a very acute understanding of what it's like to feel the horror of your name or your photograph coming up in the newspapers."

He added—

"There is that dreadful freezing moment when something is being revealed about you. I think anyone can understand how that feels."

Dominic West, who has been married to his wife Catherine since 2010, faced a rough patch due to the infidelity rumors.

It all started when the photos of West appearing to be cozy and loving with James were posted online. The actor had to face scrutiny every moment and rumors kept on adding up. He added—

"I'd been through it a couple of years previously, and it must have informed how I approached (the role). That gut feeling of horror isn't something you get inured to."

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The Affair actor revealed that he and his wife would often joke about the absurd situation

Dominic West revealed that the scrutiny that he faced mostly through media platforms was uncomfortable for him and his family. However, the rumors also brought some humor into their lives. He stated—

"I hesitate to speak on my wife's behalf because it was obviously horrible, particularly for her,"

The Crown actor further continued—

"But we do joke about it sometimes. Because whenever we went out together, the papers would always say we were 'putting on a show of unity.' … And so, when we go out, we do sort of say, 'Shall we go and have a show of unity up in London?'"

Lily James, (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Dominic West and his wife Catherine, who is also and Irish landscape designer, have four children together- Dora, Senan, Francis, and Christabel. West also has a 22-year-old daughter named Martha with his ex-girlfriend Polly Astor.

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West opened up about his role as an elite in The Crown and his nature in real life

In the interview, Dominic West further talked about his aristocratic wife Catherine. West said that his marriage to her may have influenced his tendency to identify as an "upper-class specialist."

West, however, said that according to his wife, he looks more convincing while being a member of the working class. The actor said—

"But my wife who is genuinely upper class, always tells me, ‘You’re much better in the working-class parts, you’re not very good as upper class, you’re not convincing at all.’ And I agree with her."

West, who played Prince Charles in The Crown said that he knows that possibly appears rich but likes the rich characters only as an "outsider." He said—

"I’m McNulty, and I’m Jean Valjean and I’m Iago. I think those are my best roles. Some people look good in stiff collars but I don’t think I’m one of them. I understand upper-class attitudes and ways, and I like those characters, but as an outsider."

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West and James have been seen together in the miniseries Pursuit of Love released in 2021.