“There’s just something about vampires that’s kind of timeless”: Rhian Blundell on starring in Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy is the new Peacock original series landing on Sky, bringing to life the much-loved young adult novels by Richelle Mead with a vibrant diverse cast, including Sisi Stringer, Daniela Nieves, Kieron Moore and Rhian Blundell. Viewers can expect epic castles, decadent costumes and plenty of sex appeal in this ten-episode show that follows the hidden lives of vampire royals and the half-human teens training to protect them at St Vladimir’s Academy. Think classic high-school, coming-of-age drama, with all the usual tales of romance, friendship, class divides and cliques, but with the added glamour and danger of a vampiric underworld running through it.

The Upcoming had the chance to have an in-depth chat with Rhian Blundell (Meredith), on starring in the new fantasy horror series. The actress, who had her breakout role in David Shillitoe’s Nobody Girl, spoke about being a fan of Mead’s novels and the joy of filming with the cast in castles on location in Spain for eight months. The Blackpool-born star also shared her reflections on the contemporary and original feel to the show, from its bold and raunchy tone to its costumes and diverse casting, and went on to reveal the directors she aspires to work with in future and advice for others trying to break into the industry.

Sarah Bradbury

The first four episodes of Vampire Academy will be released on Peacock on Sky and Now on 16^th September 2022.

Watch the trailer for Vampire Academy here: