KJ Apa: No-one expected our CW show Riverdale to be a big success

KJ Apa says he didn't expect The CW series Riverdale to get as popular as it has done in such a short space of time.

"It's grown pretty fast. I don't think any of us expected it to grow this fast," he says.

"I'm just trying not to let it get too gnarly."

The 19-year-old New Zealand actor also tells Newsbeat that he doesn't see himself "at the centre" of the popular series.

Based on the Archie comics, Riverdale has been praised for its talented cast and twisted murder plot.

KJ, who plays main character Archie Andrews, says: "The show is called Riverdale not Archie and I think it's about all four of us.

"I don't really see myself at the centre of it. I'm still taking it step by step every day."

The show also stars Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes in lead roles. The four are known to be friends in real life, as well as playing best friends on the show.

"It's awesome to be able to work with my mates. We spend a lot of time together," says KJ.

"But at the same time it's good to get a break every now and then."

As well as new talent, the show also stars veterans Luke Perry (from Beverly Hills, 90210) and Skeet Ulrich, who starred in cult films Scream and The Craft.

KJ describes being able to work with such experienced actors as "amazing".

He says: "Luke is amazing, we're really close. On set I really enjoy working with him - we kind of just get it done and do it really well.

"Skeet is another legend. I couldn't believe it when I started working with him.

"I was just like, 'Mate, you're an unbelievable actor' and he's a great guy as well."

As well as dyeing his hair ginger for the role, KJ also adopts an American accent for the role - and he does it so well most people don't know he's not American until they meet him.

"Sometimes when it's been a while, you worry about if you can still act - like I haven't spoken in an American accent in a long time.

"I meet a lot of people and they're like, 'What! You're from New Zealand?' and it's good to see the surprise on their face. From going to press events, it's really rare to meet a fellow Kiwi."

Speaking about season two, which is due to premiere in October, KJ says the story is going "to be darker".

"We are going to explore a completely different side to Archie's character," he says.

"With Hiram Lodge coming back, there's going to be some interesting stuff between Archie and him because of Archie dating Veronica Lodge."

Riverdale: The Complete First Season will be available on DVD from 14 August.

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