**Exclusive: Inside Look at Luann de Lesseps’ Guest Role on Murdoch Mysteries**
Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Luann de Lesseps’ guest appearance on Canada’s beloved drama series, Murdoch Mysteries. PEOPLE’s Deputy News Director Dave Quinn shares his experience of filming the episode, which is set to premiere on Monday, April 7. Murdoch Mysteries can be watched on Ovation TV in the U.S., CBC in Canada, and will be available later in 2025 on Acorn in the U.S. and Alibi in the U.K.
Luann de Lesseps, known for her role on Real Housewives of New York City, steps into the world of scripted television with a special part in Murdoch Mysteries. Dave Quinn, alongside the iconic reality star, will feature in the upcoming episode airing on Ovation TV on April 7.
The series delves into the investigative work of detective William Murdoch in late 19th and early 20th century Toronto, based on Maureen Jennings’ Murdoch Mysteries novels. With 18 seasons under its belt since its debut in 2008, it holds the title of Canada’s longest-running drama series.
In the episode titled “The Body Electric,” de Lesseps portrays Noelle Victoria, the elusive wife of Toronto’s corrupt Mayor Chadwick Vaughan. As her character crosses paths with Detective Murdoch in his latest case, I join the cast as her loyal assistant. Although unnamed in the script, I’ve crafted a backstory for my role – envisioning a dynamic with the diva character.
The journey to this unique opportunity began with a pitch to cover de Lesseps’ involvement, initially teased as an appearance by an original Real Housewives of New York City cast member performing at the “Starlight Cabaret” within the show. This intriguing proposition led to an offer for a reporter (me) to both cover the event and participate as a background actor in costume.
Having covered the Real Housewives franchise extensively throughout my career, including penning the best-selling book Not All Diamonds and Rosé: The Inside Story of The Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It, I was uniquely positioned for this exciting crossover experience.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes insights into this unexpected collaboration between reality television and historical drama.
I quickly responded, “I have a feeling it’s Luann! That sounds like a lot of fun, count me in if it’s an option.” Soon after, discussions began for filming in the fall of 2024. However, plans fell through just as fast when the Countess’ tour schedule clashed with production dates. Disappointed, I moved on to other reporting tasks in the lineup. But just when I had moved on, an email arrived stating that filming was back on, now scheduled for the third week of December, right before Christmas.
During the hiatus, there were some changes. Luann de Lesseps would no longer be singing, and I would no longer have a background role. Instead, the producers at Shaftesbury Films decided to offer me a speaking part to act alongside de Lesseps. When asked about my acting experience, I paused. Should I mention my lead roles in high school productions and my theater major in college from nearly 30 years ago? I had briefly pursued acting after graduation but shifted to journalism, drawing on my English degree to conduct interviews with talent. “I don’t have on-screen experience,” I replied, avoiding oversharing. “But I pick things up quickly.”
The Murdoch script arrived a few days before my trip to Canada. As I was on the phone with a Housewife discussing the opportunity, she urged me to open it. “Let’s read it together, I’ll play Luann!” she suggested enthusiastically. Despite the offer, I declined as I had a lot of work pending after the call. Later that evening, I finally looked at the script and was surprised to find a substantial amount of lines for my character. Noelle’s assistant had depth, a unique perspective, and a vibrant personality. I realized I needed to fully immerse myself in the world of the show to bring the character to life.
There was even a nod to the title of my book in one of the lines, impressing me with the writer’s attention to detail. “Wow, Noelle Girard really nailed it,” I thought to myself. Fortunately, the Murdoch team made the process seamless.
Upon arriving in Toronto and clearing customs for my work permit, I headed to Sullivan Studios where the show was filmed. The studio housed many practical sets, including the City morgue and the Toronto Constabulary’s Station House No. Four. The extensive backlot featured various exteriors such as Juliette’s Ladies’ Wear, J. Christianson Sporting Goods and Apparel, Scott’s Dinner, and The Tipsy Ferret pub. It was the largest standing period set in Canada, meticulously designed for authenticity.
My tour guide pointed out a stretch of space known as “Murder Alley,” where the show’s victims are often found. Jokingly, I suggested we avoid going down that path. The attention to detail by production designer Bob Sher and his team was evident in every aspect of the set, transporting me back in time. While I was there to get fitted for my character’s wardrobe, lead costume designer Joanna Syrokomla had already pre-selected pieces based on my measurements. Each item, from suits to accessories, was carefully tailored to the Victorian era, not only for me but for all cast members and background actors.
Syrokomla effortlessly managed the vast collection of costumes accumulated over 18 seasons, ensuring that the wardrobe evolves with the changing time periods of the show. The next day, Emmy-winning makeup artist Debi Drennan worked her magic on my facial hair, transforming it to fit the 1912 aesthetic. Hairstylist Shirley Bond completed the look by styling my hair in a period-appropriate manner.
Filming took place at a location in Hamilton, where the series often shoots, for a scene involving the launch of a new public hydroelectric substation. I joined the show’s actors and background ensemble in a holding trailer before being brought to the set. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with everyone excited to begin filming.
As we made our way to the set, the lead actress greeted me warmly and complimented my appearance. It was a thrilling experience to be part of the production and see everything come together for the scene.
While complimenting my outfit, Luann de Lesseps admired her character’s fur-lined jacket. “This coat is so beautiful! I love it so much, I might just have to take it home with me!” Stay updated on the latest from PEOPLE by signing up for their free daily newsletter, featuring the best in celebrity news and compelling human interest stories. This is also where I had the pleasure of meeting Yannick Bisson, known for his role as Murdoch in the series. Bisson was incredibly friendly, confirming those positive Canadian stereotypes.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often for actors,” he shared with me when discussing the series’ legacy. “I feel truly grateful.” While waiting to begin filming, Bisson and de Lesseps engaged in conversation, where Bisson admitted that his daughters were avid fans of the Real Housewives, expressing excitement about working with her. “You should bring them to a cabaret,” de Lesseps suggested. “I would love to meet them.”
We all posed for photos before director Peter Mitchell arrived to guide us through the scene’s blocking. Throughout the filming, we ran the scene multiple times, striving for perfection with less than 12, but more than six takes. I was focused on delivering my lines flawlessly and maintaining professionalism on set.
After rigorous preparation, the filming process went smoothly. We rehearsed, adjusted cameras for different angles, and ensured consistency in performances and positions. Despite unexpected changes, like ad-libbed lines, I learned to adapt and embrace spontaneity, enhancing the scene with authentic reactions.
De Lesseps showcased her professionalism, delivering exceptional performances with each take. Reflecting on the experience over lunch, she remarked, “Wasn’t this fun? It’s so much easier than Housewives. I wish they’d give me a script there!”
As filming wrapped up, I expressed gratitude to Mitchell, who praised my performance and encouraged me to continue with my natural approach to acting.
“I playfully suggested that Detective Watts might need a boyfriend, referring to actor Daniel Maslany’s character, who is gay. ‘The Assistant is looking for love in the streets of Toronto! It’s 1912, let’s help him out!’ ‘Perhaps!’ he chuckled. It was all in good fun, of course. While the experience was fantastic, my true passion lies behind the scenes. I cherish my job, especially because it has allowed me to connect with talented actors, creatives, and TV personalities for over two decades. I value the trust they have placed in me to share their stories.
Even though my brief stint as an actor satisfied a long-held dream, I am content where I am. The opportunity was a gift that I will always appreciate and remember fondly. Catch Murdoch Mysteries on Monday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET on Ovation TV in the U.S. and CBC in Canada. It will also be available later in 2025 on Acorn in the U.S. and Alibi in the U.K.”
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