Killing Eve star Jodie Comer discusses 'bittersweet' farewell to Villainelle

Jodie Comer told Bella magazine: "Playing Villanelle stretched me out of my comfort zone in so many ways." Photo / Supplied

Playing the darkly twisted and often devastatingly funny Villanelle on hit series Killing Eve has done more for Jodie Comer than simply raise her profile. In fact, she says the role has "set the bar" for her career.

The 28-year-old actress told Bella magazine: "Playing Villanelle stretched me out of my comfort zone in so many ways, that now when I look at roles, I think about what the challenge is.

"She really gave me that, the show has set the bar for me.

"Playing her, you have to be a bit fearless and do silly things. It would look silly if you didn't commit to it."

The actress also feels like she "found [her] voice" on the show.

She explained: "It's also the first show I've been a part of for this length of time.

"Just seeing the same people every year and realising the level of teamwork that takes place to make sure it feels like the same show, even though there are so many moving parts.

"I also found my voice being a part of this show because the producers have always encouraged me to speak up. I've found my instincts, I'm not shy about suggesting things."

Jodie Comer stars alongside Sandra Oh who portrays Eve Polastri, the MI6 agent tasked with capturing Villanelle. Photo / Supplied

The team that Comer is reluctant to say goodbye to includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was one of the show's writers and also an executive producer, and co-star Sandra Oh who stars as Mi6 agent, Eve Polastri, who is tasked with capturing Villanelle.

Jodie is bidding farewell to Villanelle after four seasons of the thriller series, and she admitted saying goodbye is a "bittersweet" experience.

"We wanted to stay true to the characters and hopefully give people a satisfying ending.

"It's sad to think that we're not all going to be coming back next year, as I always rely on that comfort. I'm also a big believer in leaving something while it's good. It's a bold decision to say, 'This is it!'"