We were joined on the Popternative show by Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla, Sanditon) and Sofia Barclay (Prime Target, Ted Lasso) who star in the reimagining of the classic detective series, Lynley. The series, which is also based on the popular Elizabeth George’s novels, premiered on BritBox on September 4.
The four-part series explores the unlikely partnership between aristocratic investigator DI Tommy Lynley (Suter) and maverick sergeant DS Barbara Havers (Barclay) as they navigate class divides and complex cases. The mismatched duo soon become a powerful team bonded by their passion for justice.
Written and executive produced by Steve Thompson (Vienna Blood, Sherlock), the series is directed by Ed Bazalgette (Marie Antoinette S2, The Last Kingdom) and Stewart Svaasand (Death in Paradise, All Creatures Great & Small). The cast also includes Daniel Mays (The Thursday Murder Club, A Thousand Blows), Niamh Walsh (The Sandman, Holby City), Michael Workeye (The Stolen Girl, This Is Going to Hurt), and Joshua Sher (Vera, The Undeclared War).
On being part of a new retelling of a popular book and TV series, Sofia says, “I was aware of the show and of the books growing up but I hadn’t actually watched it. When I got the audition, it was very clear that Steve Thompson, our writer, who is super brilliant, he set up a whole new version of not just Linley and Havers, but a really different version of the world they inhabit and how that looks.”
“I’d not done the genre before, so it was very cool to know what I was getting into: a meaty, police procedural crime drama. I have not played a detective before; there’s a lot of lines to learn, I didn’t have the time to go back and read the books or see the show because once we got up and running, it was nonstop,” Leo adds.“
Watch the full conversation with Leo and Sofia below.
The season one finale of Lynley will release on September 25 on BritBox in the US and Canada. Lynley will premiere in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at a later date.
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