The series, based on the renowned book by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, delves into the intricate and emotional journey of India’s partition, offering an unfiltered look into the personal and political challenges faced by Lord Mountbatten alongside Indian leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Luke’s portrayal of Lord Mountbatten has been met with widespread praise with The Hindu describing his performance at ‘striking’ while The Deccan Chronicle said ‘Luke McGibney brings a nuanced depth to Lord Mountbatten, capturing the complexities of a leader navigating tumultuous times’.
Luke said: "Playing Lord Mountbatten in Freedom at Midnight has been one of the most profound experiences of my career.
"The opportunity to step into such a pivotal moment in history was both a challenge and an honour.
"Every day on set felt like a deep dive into the complexities of the era, and I hope audiences see that we’ve tried to handle it with care and authenticity.
"The reaction has been overwhelming, to say the least.
"As actors, we always hope to connect with our audience, but seeing such an emotional and positive response is humbling.
"I’ve had messages from viewers who were deeply moved, which is the highest compliment any actor could hope for.
"I think it’s a testament to the incredible team behind the film and the importance of the story itself."
Luke’s acting journey has been anything but ordinary.
A graduate of the Oxford School of Drama on a scholarship, Luke spent over two decades honing his craft while supporting himself as a doorman in Nottingham.
Known for his polite yet effective demeanor in diffusing situations, he earned the nickname ‘John Lewis meets John Wick’ for his courteous but firm handling of pub and nightclub customers.
The role required extensive preparation, with six months dedicated to casting and a year-long shoot in India.
Director Nikkhil Advani praised Luke’s performance, sayiing: “Luke brought an unparalleled depth to the character of Lord Mountbatten.
"His dedication and nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the partition process have truly brought history to life on screen.”
Luke himself added: "Life has a funny way of taking you in unexpected directions.
"One day, you’re working as a doorman in Nottingham and the next, you’re in front of the camera in India, sharing stories with an entirely new audience.
"It’s been a whirlwind, but it’s also a reminder that no matter where you start, you never know where you might end up.
"Taking risks and staying open to opportunities has truly changed my life in ways I never imagined.”
Freedom at Midnight has captivated audiences across India, offering a raw and no-holds-barred perspective into the partition and the personal lives of Lord Mountbatten and his wife, Edwina.
UK audiences can look forward to the series’ premiere in January.