Stuart Bowman in Opulent, Seductive Versailles: Thrills, Costume Envy and Hair

Meet Stuart Bowman. He’s Scottish. But in the oh-so-elegant and steamy period television drama, Versailles, he is most definitely French. He plays Louis XIV’s valet, Alexandre Bontemps, who lived from 1626 to 1701.

The series is said to have been very expensive to produce: $25.5 million. It’s only fitting since the storyline revolves around the king’s mission to make a hunting lodge built in 1623 for his father, Louis XIII, into one over-the-top royal residence. Louis XIV moved the royal court from Paris to Versailles.

“Outstanding political strategist, manipulator, Machiavellian, [Louis XIV, the Sun King] will ‘invent’ Versailles in order to keep the nobles away from Paris and under control; he is progressively transforming Versailles into a golden prison," according to the show synopsis. "…The historical and fictional characters, ranging from the most known courtier to the most humble villager, guide us through a world of betrayal and intimate secrets, of political maneuvers and war declarations, revealing Versailles in all its glory and brutality.”

David Wolstencroft, co-creator of Versailles, told The Telegraph in June that, "We wanted it to be rock 'n' roll. If you were in Versailles at that time you were at the center of the world. You could lose a partner at midnight and be married at 9 a.m. to someone entirely different.”

Versailles was the seat of the French monarchy from 1682 to 1789. If you want to see the property, visit its official website first. It’s 2,014 acres with 230 acres of gardens. The palace is 721,206 square feet of opulence.

If you want to see the special two-hour season finale—highly recommended—you can do that Saturday, November 19, at 10 p.m. ET on Ovation. Reviewers agree that the series' creatives have saved the best for last, but never fear: Versailles will be back.

Stuart shares about his role, his life and what makes Versailles one of a kind.

You were born in Scotland and lived in London. How have you liked “being French”?

C'est magnifique, bien sur! There's an “auld alliance” between the French and the Scots that has made my life a little easier, perhaps, than my English comrades.

The show is said to have a mix of sex, lies and political intrigue. Which does it have the most of, or dare we ask?

I think that's fair. The political machinations are the fascinating elements for me, as my character is at the very heart of power. So many elements of our show resonate with shows like The West Wing and House of Cards. But these modern worlds are run by older people. Louis XIV's world was peopled by young people who had much more exuberant, and therefore messy, and therefore interesting, sex lives.

You’ve said this was your dream job. How so?

The scripts are superb, the characters are three dimensional and possess conflicting moral codes, the cast is (with some, rare but notable, exceptions) young and beautiful, we shoot in some of the world's most beautiful palaces, and are shot by some of the world's best talent, I ride horses and have hair. We live in Paris. My children have become bilingual. BEST. JOB. EVER!

I believe you! Now, why was this the most expensive drama French television ever made? Other than to pay for you, of course…

Ha-ha! I wish! The wigs cost €4000 each and the main cast members have at least two each. I can only imagine what all the handmade costumes cost, and the Palace of Versailles is not a low-cost rental.

Did you all want to do this series in the French language?

No, my French has improved, but convincing French people that I'm a Frenchman would be a much longer project. Seriously, the decision was made to shoot in English way before we were on board, and that decision was entirely based on international sales. To make their money back, the producers simply had to shoot in English.

So Bontemps slept at the foot of the king’s bed on a cot, ever so humble. And I hope Louis didn't snore. How does that arrangement strike you as Stuart, not Bontemps?

It's almost impossible to separate Stuart from Bontemps as far as these sorts of fabulous historical facts are concerned. When you understand that what's in the script is accurate, you get excited about the mind-blowing implications it has for viewers. Versailles is littered with extraordinary events that had the actors, and, consequently, the viewers, scrambling for the history books for verification—which generally was found.

You really do wear elaborate costumes. Does that suit you?

There's a large degree of costume envy on set, and I am probably the most guilty. George (Blagden who plays Louis XIV) seems to have a new outfit whenever Louis changes his mind, which is often. Poor Bontemps has burgundy party trousers or blue. Shame for Bontemps! Still, the party trousers are magnificent, and I will NEVER tire of having flowing hair. To be dressed and “haired” by Madeleine Fontaine and Miguel Santos is an absolute privilege.

What can viewers expect in the finale—and let’s also talk to those who maybe haven’t had the pleasure of seeing the show yet…?

When I saw our show for the first time I binge watched the last six episodes. I am deeply jealous of the people who have yet to see the finale—it really doesn't disappoint. The immersion into the world of Louis XIV, and the relentless pace, continues all the way to the final frame. I truly believe it's the most compelling TV drama I've ever seen. If you haven't seen any of it yet, buckle up, for you're in for a smart, beautiful, sexy, utterly absorbing, thrillingly bumpy ride. Enjoy!

What do we need to know about Bontemps that maybe isn’t immediately apparent?

Alexandre Bontemps was one of the most influential men in Louis' life. That much, I think, is clear from the show. What we don't see is his enormous wealth and power outside the court. He was one of the richest men in France and that wealth came from the numerous extra duties (and pay packets) that Louis bestowed on him, we presume, for his unflappable loyalty.

He controlled the town and Palaces of Versailles and Marly, and was a prominent member of the Royal Council. A really interesting break from the story we represent in Versailles is that “Historical Bontemps” was in charge of the Swiss Guard, the team responsible for Louis' security. So Bontemps was, in fact, Fabien. [In the series, Fabien is the leader of King Louis’ Stasi-like police force.] Go figure!

How do you stay in shape to portray the character, and to stay on top of your health?

I was born and brought up in Scotland. It's not a country known for its dietary discipline. Deep-fried pizza was a common treat after a skinful (a large amount of alcohol) on a Friday night. But, thankfully, my parents’ genes have given me a super-fast metabolism which burns off any unnecessary, but brilliant indulgence. I'm VERY lucky in that respect.

All that rich French food: What’s your (real) healthy eating plan?

You really don't see many overweight people in Paris. I think that's maybe because there isn't a fast-food culture. Yes, there may be rich cream sauces with everything, but people eat meals when they're hungry, and don't snack on junk. That’s pretty much what I do. And, wow, the caterers on Versailles make it very easy to stick to these meals. The food we get is truly awesome!

Mental/emotional balance is so important. You’re an actor—which is not always easy—you have a family and life throws us stuff. So how do you stay level, if you do, of course?

I have two small boys and an extraordinarily supportive partner. The most magical thing that Versailles has brought me is the fact that they've been able to share this Parisian adventure with me. They came over at the beginning of Season One, and we are still living in Paris full time, as a unit, two years on.

And how is that going? The children will be bilingual and so cosmopolitan.

My 5-year-old is now in his third year at French public school and is a fluent French speaker, and my wee 2-year-old started his linguistic journey in both English and French. I couldn't be prouder of what Cand (his partner, Candida Benson) and I have achieved as parents with this opportunity because we've made hard decisions together. That growing sense of being an indestructible team is, I'm sure, what keeps my feet mostly planted on the ground. I do, however, have my moments. Sorry, Candida. No, really, sorry!

Mind Your Body with Stephanie Stephens features celebrities and high achievers age 45+ who share their latest projects, healthy living secrets and more.