Gillian Anderson and Matthew Macfadyen at BBC Worldwide Day - Roma Fiction Fest 2012

Gillian Anderson receives
Artistic Excellence Award from Steve Della Casa

Yesterday was BBC Worldwide Day at the Roma Fiction Fest 2012 with some of the very best British small screen entertainment such as Doctor Who and Sherlock showcased on the big screen at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, as well as panel discussions with industry insiders. In fact, it was whilst waiting to attend a BBC discussion that I caught an unexpected glimpse of one of the most hotly awaited stars of the day. Gillian Anderson, best know for her role as Dana Scully in cult 1990s sci-fi show The X Files, appeared briefly to greet a group of die-hard fans who had been patiently waiting for her in the foyer.

During the evening she would be joined by Matthew Macfadyen on the festival's distinctive pink carpet, greeting yet more fans, with both actors graciously signing autographs and posing for photographs, prior to the screenings of two recent BBC dramas: the first episode of Great Expectations starring Gillian Anderson, whose mesmerising and extraordinary portrayal of Miss Havisham garnered critical acclaim when it was first broadcast in the UK over Christmas last year, and the world premiere of the brand new drama Ripper Street, an exhilarating Victorian crime show set in the East End of London in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders starring Macfadyen. Both actors were cheered as they took to the stage in Sala Petrassi and the episodes were met with resounding and spontaneous applause as the credits rolled.

Gillian Anderson was also in Rome yesterday to receive the festival's annual Artistic Excellence Award. Looking dazzlingly beautiful and modestly thanking the festival for the award, she spoke about her decision to live in London, rather than in America, and how this had opened up new opportunities for her as an actress and how fortunate she felt to have been offered such interesting roles, particularly by the BBC. She also praised the Roma Fiction Fest and its championing of high quality television.

Watch some highlights from Gillian Anderson's appearance at Roma Fiction Fest 2012 below (or click here to watch on You Tube).



Watch Matthew Macfadyen's presentation of Ripper Street at Roma Fiction Fest 2012 below (or click here to watch on You Tube).