Nicola Walker

Nicola Walker to return in Annika season 2 on Alibi

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

The gripping series is coming back to fight crime on land and sea.

Nicola Walker will be reprising her role as the enigmatic DI Annika Strandhed for season 2 of Annika.

By Naomi Gordon

Written by Nick Walker and based on the hit BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded, the series follows DI Annika Strandhed as she leads the specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) that is tasked with investigating the unexplained, brutal and seemingly unfathomable murders that occur in the waterways of Scotland.

Annika breaks the conventional fourth wall as she speaks to the audience to share her observations on the cases she’s investigating, her close-knit team and her personal life. Season 1 saw the titular character striking up a romantic relationship with her daughter Morgan’s psychiatrist, so we predict season 2 will develop that storyline further.
The second season will also feature the return of Guilt’s Jamie Sives as DS Michael McAndrews, Katie Leung (The Nest, Roadkill) as DC Blair Ferguson, and The Midwich Cuckoos’ Ukweli Roach as DS Tyrone Clarke. Silvie Furneaux (Limbo) will be back as Strandhed’s troubled teen daughter, Morgan.

Walker said in a statement: “We are all looking forward to fighting crime on sea and land with the MHU for a second series and there are secrets closer to home for Annika that will have to be faced. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!”
Senior drama commissioner Philippa Collie Cousins added: “I’m thrilled to get the team back together on a second series of this refreshing, character led crime drama. Nicola has such an authentic approach, she brings the character of Annika to life in a unique way and, by breaking the fourth wall with conviction and wit, she adds both real depth and laugh out loud moments. The first season stole the audience’s hearts, and the second season will too!”
The first season of Annika became Alibi’s top performing title of all time, reaching 1.32 million individuals since its launch.

Fans will also see Walker back on screen as she stars in BBC One’s drama Marriage alongside Sean Bean. The series, written and directed by Mum’s Stefan Golaszewski, follows Ian (Bean) and Emma (Walker) as they explore the hopes and fears of their marriage, from insecurities and jealousies to funny, moving moments.

• Listen to “Annnika Stranded” via The Hobbledehoy

Source: Nicola Walker to return in Annika season 2 on Alibi

Hobbledehoy favorite ‘Last Tango In Halifax’ final season now on PBS

~ Michael Stevenson ~ 4 Comments

PBS is going back to Halifax one last time. The final season of British comedy-drama Last Tango in Halifax premieres Sunday, Sept. 20.

The new season of Last Tango in Halifax picks up several years after viewers last saw Alan (Derek Jacobi) and Celia (Anne Reid). Now seven years into their marriage, they’re settled into a lovely home, but there are some problems in their new abode. Political clashes, a new job for Alan, and other issues create tension in their household. Meanwhile, Celia’s daughter, Caroline (Sarah Lancashire), gets emotionally embroiled at work, while Alan’s daughter Gillian (Nicola Walker) faces trouble with a giraffe at the farm. To complicate matters, Alan’s brother, Ted (West) has arrived from New Zealand for a visit, but it turns out he only bought a one-way ticket.

In addition to airing on PBS stations, new episodes of Last Tango in Halifax will be available to stream for free on PBS.org and the PBS video app for 30 days after their initial broadcast.

The previous three seasons of Last Tango in Halifax are currently streaming on Netflix.

Source: ‘Last Tango In Halifax’: Final Season Premieres Sept. 20 on PBS

‘Last Tango in Halifax’ preview: New pics and story hints for fifth season 

~ Michael Stevenson ~ 1 Comment

The first photos have been released from the new season of Last Tango in Halifax. Created by Gentleman Jack writer

The first photos have been released from the new season of Last Tango in Halifax.

Created by Gentleman Jack writer Sally Wainwright, the BBC’s family comedy-drama series first aired seven years ago.

Last Tango tells the story of former childhood sweethearts Alan and Celia (Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid), who reunite in their seventies.

Four brand new hour-long episodes recently began filming in England, with all the main cast returning to reprise their roles, alongside Timothy West as Alan’s brother Ted.

The official story synopsis for Season 5 reads: “Alan (Derek Jacobi) and Celia (Anne Reid) are now seven years into their marriage but, having moved into a desirable bungalow with stunning views across the Calder Valley, they aren’t quite seeing eye to eye.

“It isn’t just their differing politics that’s a source of tension; Alan’s new supermarket job brings an unexpected challenge in the form of a wild local lad, and at Far Slack Farm, Gillian (Nicola Walker) faces trouble with a giraffe.

“Meanwhile John (Tony Gardner) is back on the scene, and Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) finds herself entangled in an emotional debacle with someone at work.

“Into all of this jets Alan’s brother Ted (Timothy West) on holiday from New Zealand. But it turns out he’s only bought a one-way ticket… and he hasn’t come alone.”

The show’s creator and writer Sally Wainwright commented: “Yet again the entire Last Tango cast has proved to be so wonderful together, so uplifting, heart-warming, touching and funny, as they explore Celia and Alan’s relationship further, under the brilliant breath of fresh air that Gareth Bryn’s direction has given them.”

The new season of Last Tango will air early next year on BBC One in the UK.

Source: ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ preview: New pics and story hints for fifth season – British Period Dramas