Toks Olagundoye Clears the Air: 'I Would Have Resented to Be Brought On Simply as a Love Interest' 

as a series regular for Season 8, the Internet did what the Internet does — theorize the most pot-stirring purpose for her character, Scotland Yard castoff-turned-“security specialist” Hayley Shipton.

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In other words, some speculated she would get too cozy with Nathan Fillion’s Rick — with whom she (reluctantly) partners during the two-part season opener (kicking off Monday at 10/9c), when Beckett (Stana Katic) goes missing — or at the very least draw eligible Esposito’s ever-wandering eye. But as part of her TVLine Q&A below, Olagundoye makes one thing refreshingly clear: Hayley is here to bring the sass, kick some ass and maybe mentor a lass. But romance? No one has time for that.

TVLINE | How was the role of Hayley presented to you by the producers, how was she described?

Well, she wasn’t described by the producers to me. I got the sides for an audition, and there’s a breakdown that describes the character. When I got [the role] I figured, “They liked it, so that’s what were going to do.” So yeah, I stayed really true to what I did that first audition, keeping her sassy and relaxed and confident.

. I was an athlete, I’ve always been very active. I run, I do pilates, yoga, cardio barre…. I have a lot of training for stage combat, for when you don’t have the stunt people. And I enjoy

of that. So it was a nice surprise that not only was there

TVLINE | You have a pretty brutal throwdown with guest star Daisy Betts’ character, outside some storage units….

much fun with that — it was such a good time! Daisy is just lovely, and with my stunt double and her stunt double, the four of us had such a good time on it, learning the choreography. [Director] Rob Bowman likes to really get into it so he makes it really challenging, because he wants it to be perfect, but I

that. I love it when they’re like, “Again! Again! Again!” because

want it to be perfect. I got kind of banged up, but I was proud of my bruises. [

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TVLINE | How would you describe Hayley’s dynamic with Mr. Richard Castle?

You know, Hayley’s an interesting sort — her dynamic doesn’t really change with anyone. She’s her own brand of sassy and sarcastic. She’s witty, she doesn’t put up with nonsense from anyone…. She doesn’t speak unless she has something to say, and she’s pretty much that way with everyone.

seem to have a soft spot for Alexis. Why do you think she takes a shine to her?

I think she’s impressed with her. Not in a way like, “You’re my hero,” but Hayley has always been hardworking and disciplined and focused — No. 1 on her plate is work and getting it done. She’s not really concerned with personal relationships. I don’t think she’s used to being impressed by anyone, but this young woman has just got it so together and is so focused, but also has no ego. That’s a lovely thing about the Alexis character, she’s so capable and smart but she has no ego. I think Hayley enjoys that, and she enjoys giving her something that she probably didn’t have when she was younger, which is guidance from another strong female.

TVLINE | In Part 1 of the premiere, at least, Hayley is very secretive, she’s not exactly helpful to the good guys…. How might we eventually warm up to her?

] I don’t know. It’s different for everyone. If people warm up to her, they do, and if they don’t, they don’t.

TVLINE | What else do you know about her backstory? As revealed in the premiere, it sounds like she had obviously a very different upbringing from your own.

The producers have an idea of what they want for an arc, but they’re fluid with it because… you have to be able to change things according to what’s actually going on and how people are responding. I know they have a couple of ideas but I know that they’re not solid, so it’s not something that I would share.

TVLINE | When I spoke to the showrunners last month, they affirmed they were in no rush to point Hayley at anybody romantically. They said that’s not what this character is about.

Honestly, I would have resented, after 21 years as an actor, to be brought on a show simply to be somebody’s romantic interest. [

] It’s not a soap opera. So I like the fact that work is No. 1 on her plate; you

have time for anything else. I mean, she’s flying between countries, for God’s sake, to get her work done! [

] I do like showing, “Yeah, there are women in this world who aren’t just looking for guys.” It’s kinda cool.

TVLINE | Lastly, what are you at liberty to say about how the show will keep Hayley around beyond the two-parter? I can’t imagine she’s joining the NYPD or anything…. It seems too regimented a job for someone like her.

Yes, and she was kicked off the force in England, so I don’t know if anyone would be too quick to have her back! The police officers are very proper over there, and what she was doing was a bit more “1970s New York cop.” She was unorthodox.

TVLINE | I’m curious to hear the story behind her dismissal. Maybe they’ll fly you all to England someday for a location shoot!

, or for any other show? Email insideline@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line.

I don’t care about a new character and I don’t care about Alexis, especially as a PI, so the two of them together …

The only thing that’s gonna ruin caskett is themselves

“Honestly, I would have resented, after 21 years as an actor, to be brought on a show simply to be somebody’s romantic interest. [Laughs] It’s not a soap opera.”

They say that like it’s a good thing—a little is good, no? I’m with, she does.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Alexis usually thinks she’s the smartest person in the room.

To be fair, she only acts this way with her dad. When it comes to dealing with the other characters (like when she interned for Lanie) she is much more humble.

Very true. It’s sad because in the early seasons I loved the scenes between Alexis and Castle but the last few years I’ve found them hard to watch.

The first one to speculate her potential coziness” with Rick was you guys Tvline! You people wrote that blurb that way. “Don’t shoot me I’m just the messenger : hayley will be sending “a lot” of time with Castle’

It was your sensationalist slant that caused a headache for fans, the actors AND the showrunners. They had to put it down vigourous after tvline reported it that way. Nathan did in your own interview, Toks did on Twitter and the showrunners in every interview since then.

So you guys are at fault too. Quit using so much sensationalism and bring back the integrity that your job requires but what you guys keep losing day by day now. Get back to the better days of tvline pls.

Yes and I’m sure you’ll delete this, but many people (most of the castle fandom) will agree with me.

Exactly, totally agree. Same goes with that blind item. Easy to blame the crazy fans.

They hold no responsibility. They made a completely innocuous comment that was based around the constant overreaction by Castle fans which resulted in, shock of shocks, another round of overreaction by Castle fans. They could have said “New character will have storyline with Rick” and everybody would have still lost their collective mind. Its not TVLine’s fault that the Castle fanbase is one of the most paranoid fanbases around. And the same goes for the Blind Item. Ausiello, I believe, reported what he knew and the Castle fans ran with it. Its nobody’s fault but the fans and their over active imaginations.

The new character isn’t my cup of tea and the new season is going to be more or less disappointing. Feels like come Monday I’ll be saying “the season premiere let me down”.

I’m excited for this new character! can’t wait for the premier.

Oh, TVLine, let’s not forget that the pot stirring began with you and your theorizing in an article/manipulating spoilers for maximum effect and click bait. Don’t poke fun at the Castle fandom for reacting exactly as you wanted them too.

In the promo clip, I really liked the attitude she brought–but Beckett used to have attitude too–hope that’s back. Regardless of her perspective and desire not to be a love interest-which I really hope is true–there is always testosterone in the mix…so to speak.

Or estrogen: could add some interesting aspects for Rick, his daughter having a gay mentor. He IS a bit conservative when it comes to Alexis, witness the scifi convention case or her online blog.

I’m not sure I know enough about the character’s profile yet to comment on your point, but actually I was thinking more about Espo.

That’s the other potential path for sure as I get the impression Espo and Lanie are being cooled off for a while anyway.

Just with Captain Holt’s treatment on B-99 other low key options have been seen to exist. mostly just leave it alone, but…

Just as bad an idea as when Castle departed from what was originally a good show and plot line with the last five episodes of Season Two. It’s been a downhill slide for the show ever since, and this looks like it’s a dive in the deep end of the pool when the swimmers do not surface.

First season, second season up until those last five episodes were a smashing success. The rest? Meh & sometimes Ugh.

If you think the show has been nothing great since season 2, why don’t you quit watching? Honestly! Why do people keep watching something they don’t like? I’ll never get it!

She sounds very interesting, I’m looking forward to seeing how she interacts with everyone.

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