The Graham Norton Show is routinely the best place to watch uptight British actors tell embarrassing stories in front of extremely famous American actors, and the latest episode is no exception. Imagine, if you will, becoming one of the most interesting characters on Game of Thrones, only to have to talk about pretending to fondle phantom genitals … in front of Morgan Freeman. Such was the case with Gemma Whelan, who plays Theon Greyjoy’s badass sister, Yara, on Game of Thrones. During her audition, the actress had to enact the scene in which Yara is reunited with her brother for the first time since childhood. You remember: It’s the one on the horse with the inappropriate touching. In the series, Theon is the one who’s “working away†on his sister, but in the audition it was supposed to be Yara “worrying†on Theon. (Oh, Brits. Such creative terms for heavy petting.) Even better, Whelan recounts this story next to Morgan Freeman, who is very kind about the weirdness, and Michael Caine, who is very Michael Caine–y. Enjoy, and know that whatever the sweet and cute Whelan did in her audition, it worked.
