Mekhi Phifer: 'Torchwood role is an asshole'

Torchwood star Mekhi Phifer has admitted that his character Rex is initially unpleasant.

The actor told TV Guide that the CIA agent "comes off like an asshole" in the sci-fi drama's early episodes.

Phifer said: "Rex is misunderstood in the beginning. But he's a confident, courageous guy with good intentions."

The former Lie to Me actor also revealed that Rex will betray Gwen (Eve Myles) in next week's episode, but argued that the character's actions only "seem bad".

"In actuality, with all the stuff the world is going through, it actually works out in her favour," he hinted.

Phifer added that Rex's chest wound, which was sustained in the premiere episode, will continue to trouble the character.

"I'll be nursing it through the entire series," he confirmed.

Phifer previously told Digital Spy that Rex will eventually be forced to join up with Gwen and Jack (John Barrowman) to form a new Torchwood team.

Torchwood: Miracle Day continues on Fridays at 10/9c on Starz in the US, and premieres this Thursday at 9pm on BBC One in the UK.

> Torchwood Arlene Tur: 'Rex is mysterious'

Watch Eve Myles discuss Torchwood: Miracle Day with Digital Spy below: