‘The Durrells’ star on how Gerry’s matured, his Season 4 romance and acting with owls

The Durrells star Milo Parker has been chatting about the new season.

Based upon Gerald Durrell’s classic trilogy of Corfu memoirs, the 1930s family period drama launched in 2016 and it was announced last summer that the upcoming six episodes will be the show’s final run.

Season 4 begins in the UK this Sunday at 8pm on ITV.

Milo Parker, who plays Gerry, revealed: “At the beginning of the series, we find Gerry as ever trying to expand his collection of animals and continuing his interest in conservation.

“He’s now a lot more grown up than he was before – he’s got a lot taller and his voice has got deeper. I think he also continues to be quite frustrated by still being viewed as the child of the family so we see a more maturing side of Gerry.”

He hinted at Gerry’s romantic storyline in Season 4 too: “He’s also still with his girlfriend, Galini. Gerry and Galini’s relationship is blossoming.

“There is a potential threat to their relationship when a Greek boy with a motorcycle comes onto the scene and Gerry becomes very jealous. This is the first time we’ve seen Gerry experience a form of heartbreak and it was really interesting to see how that played out.”

The 16-year-old actor also discussed Gerry’s latest animal friends: “In the first episode, Gerry finds a barn owl out on his travels and we have two owls playing it called Twit and Twoo.

“I think the owl is a potential for a new favourite animal – it was absolutely adorable, so soft and so well-behaved and just a joy to work with.

“Gerry, as you’ll see if the first few episodes, becomes completely obsessed with this owl and literally carries it around everywhere, even trying to teach it tricks.

“It was quite nice working with such a different animal. Obviously the pelicans are birds but you can’t pick them up or stroke them as they stink too much. The owl had a lovely temperament and was so elegant and graceful as it flew around the studio. It was just beautiful.”

The Durrells writer Simon Nye explained this week why he decided to end the series after four season.

Season 4 will air in the USA this autumn on Masterpiece on PBS.

The Durrells is available on DVD on Amazon.