Dominic West ‘is concerned Lily James will speak out about their cosy weekend in Rome’

Dominic West is reportedly concerned that Lily James might decide to speak out about their trip to Rome.

In October, co-stars Lily, 32, and married Dominic, 51, were caught enjoying what appeared to be a racy weekend, leading to his wife Catherine FitzGerald assuring the public they were fine – but banning him from working or talking with the actress. 

And a source has now told The Sun that The Pursuit Of Love star is worried that his co-star’s side of the story ‘could be very different from what he told his wife’.  

Claims: Dominic West is reportedly concerned that Lily James might decide to speak out about their trip to Rome, with a source alleging that ‘her version of events could be very different to the one he told his wife’ (Dominic is pictured with his wife Catherine in October 2020)

The source claimed: ‘There is concern about what she is going to say about her side of the story.

‘She’s remained tight-lipped but her version of events could be very different to the one he told his wife.

‘Lily is clearly hurt about being hung out to dry publicly, so it’s likely she will set the record straight at some point.’

MailOnline has contacted Dominic West and Lily James’ representatives for further comment. 

Eye-catching: The married actor sparked worldwide attention when he was pictured on a cosy weekend in Rome with his co-star after they grew close during filming

Eye-catching: The married actor sparked worldwide attention when he was pictured on a cosy weekend in Rome with his co-star after they grew close during filming 

The source also reflected on Lily’s breakup with ex Matt Smith, saying she threw herself into work and filming the upcoming novel adaption.

They continued that Lily and Dominic became ‘firm friends’ on set and that despite being warned about him being a ‘flirt’, Lily was ‘smitten’ ahead of their Rome trip.

While in the Italian city the duo were spotted putting on a very cosy display as they explored Rome and enjoyed lunch with their mutual agent Angharad Wood.

Following the snaps emerging, Dominic put on a public display of unity with his wife Catherine, with the couple releasing a statement about their marriage.

Under orders: Catherine is said to have banned Dominic from speaking with Lily as part of a peace deal struck between the couple (Dominic and Catherine are pictured in 2015)

Under orders: Catherine is said to have banned Dominic from speaking with Lily as part of a peace deal struck between the couple (Dominic and Catherine are pictured in 2015)

It read: ‘Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together.’ 

Catherine is also said to have banned Dominic from speaking with the actress as part of a peace deal struck between the couple.

Dominic finally won forgiveness for the infamous photographs that showed him flirting outrageously with Lily while on the secret trip.

However, the Mail On Sunday was recently told there are some strict new rules to guide Dominic’s future behaviour.

‘He has promised never to see, speak or work with Lily again,’ said a friend. Also, there are to be no joint promotional interviews for the forthcoming TV adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s novel The Pursuit Of Love.

Ex: The source also reflected on Lily's breakup with ex Matt Smith, who she dated on and off for five years, saying she threw herself into work (Lily pictured with Matt in 2017)

Ex: The source also reflected on Lily’s breakup with ex Matt Smith, who she dated on and off for five years, saying she threw herself into work (Lily pictured with Matt in 2017) 

This, apparently, has caused surprise among BBC bosses who hope the series will be a ratings triumph, having scheduled it to be screened in the primetime Sunday 9pm slot occupied by Line Of Duty prior to Sunday’s finale.

It is thought that despite initial protestations, the BBC has agreed to the Wests’ request.  

Since the public scandal, Lily has found love with Queens of the Stone Age rocker Michael Shuman, 35, and has been pictured meeting his parents in the states.

She recently declined to discuss the media storm about Rome in an interview with The Guardian – but admitted there is in fact much to discuss, saying: ‘Ach, I’m not really willing to talk about that. There is a lot to say, but not now, I’m afraid.’    

Period role: In the new racy drama series based on Nancy Mitford's novel The Pursuit Of Love, Dominic plays the role of Uncle Matthew

Period role: In the new racy drama series based on Nancy Mitford’s novel The Pursuit Of Love, Dominic plays the role of Uncle Matthew

Adventurous: Lily plays Linda Radlett, a woman desperate to find love and happiness through marriage in the miniseries which starts on Sunday

Adventurous: Lily plays Linda Radlett, a woman desperate to find love and happiness through marriage in the miniseries which starts on Sunday

Elsewhere last week, Lily gushed over her upcoming drama The Pursuit Of Love, in another promotional interview without co-star Dominic. 

The Downton Abbey alum spoke on a Q&A panel for the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival alongside director Emily Mortimer and co-stars Andrew Scott and Emily Beecham about the upcoming drama.  

Emily’s novel adaptation follows the story of Linda Radlett – played by Lily – and her hunt to find love and marriage, while Dominic plays her Uncle Matthew.  

The period drama focuses on two best friends – Linda and Emily’s character Fanny –  in the interwar years navigating their way in very different styles. 

Friendship: The drama focuses on two best friends - Linda (Lily James) and Emily's (Emily Beecham) character Fanny - in the interwar years navigating their way in very different styles

Friendship: The drama focuses on two best friends – Linda (Lily James) and Emily’s (Emily Beecham) character Fanny – in the interwar years navigating their way in very different styles

Speaking about bringing the story to life, Lily said the idea for the series came about eight years ago: ‘It’s been years, this idea that came about from my agents… 

‘We’d talk about it at dinners and there was this impulse to create this story now on screen with just how intoxicating and precious and wonderful the story and the characters are.’ 

The production was filmed between July and October last year, with Lily and Dominic’s Italy trip taking place shortly after filming on the period drama wrapped.

It is believed that part of Dominic and Catherine’s agreement is that he won’t do any promo with Lily for the series, in a bid to save their marriage – which BBC bosses have apparently reluctantly agreed to.  

It was also revealed earlier in the week that Dominic was issued a stern warning by his own mother-in-law Olda before leaving to film The Pursuit Of Love. 

He admitted his wife Catherine’s mother told him he couldn’t ‘mess up’ the part as she was a lifelong fan of the book.

Speaking about his character, Dominic told The Daily Star: ‘His attitude to life is so not what most people think today in regards to political opinions; how to raise children, the role of women in society they are all so backwards. 

‘My mother in law very sternly told me how much she loved the books and told me not to mess it up.’    

The Pursuit of Love starts on Sunday 9th May at 9.00pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. All three episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer as a boxset   

Difficult: Lily felt she had become the victim of sexist bullying and shaming following the publication of the pictures of her and West (pictured in September 2019)

Difficult: Lily felt she had become the victim of sexist bullying and shaming following the publication of the pictures of her and West (pictured in September 2019)