Nicola Walker is set to return to screens as Annika Strandhed in BBC’s hit crime drama and has opened up about her views on marriage
Nicola Walker is poised to return to her leading role in the BBC crime drama Annika, which has already been hailed as “as good as detective series gets”.
The beloved actress will once again step into the shoes of the eponymous character Annika Strandhed, a detective inspector operating within Glasgow’s homicide unit and charged with unravelling some of the most baffling murders to emerge from Scottish waters.
The programme draws loose inspiration from the acclaimed Radio 4 comedy drama sharing its title, with the beloved show initially debuting in 2021 on UKTV’s Alibi channel. The BBC didn’t incorporate the detective series into its prime-time lineup until two years afterwards.
The second series is now preparing to debut on the BBC, with the eagerly awaited programme scheduled for broadcast at 9:10pm, featuring Annika as she delves into additional gruesome killings in Scotland’s waterways.
An official synopsis for the forthcoming series states: “The team are challenged as their dynamics shift, pushing them to rapidly adapt as they encounter murders more complex than ever before.
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It further stated: “The crimes take them to new landscapes, showing multiple sides of Scotland from the Hebridean Isles to the vibrant capital city, Edinburgh.
“Meanwhile, Annika balances a family dynamic that grows more complicated as long-held secrets from the past begin to impact her relationships. As always, Annika breaks the fourth wall, sharing her wry and humorous observations through a literary lens, alongside raising her brilliant yet complex teenage daughter, Morgan,” reports the Daily Record.
Following confirmation that season two had received the green light for another series, Nicola revealed to the BBC: “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!”.
Off-screen, Nicola is wed to Barnaby Kay, with their union built on practical grounds rather than romance, according to the Express.
Having both experienced the loss of a parent during their youth, the pair decided to marry for legal protection after their son arrived, as Nicola openly explained to Radio Times: “Me and my husband, because we both lost a parent young, we thought, after we had a child, we ought to get married, in case one of us dies, so that the legalities are clear.”
She admits that wedding bells weren’t something she would have considered without these sensible reasons: “Which is not the most romantic reason to get married but is probably the only thing that would have got me to sign a piece of paper.”
Nicola and Barnaby’s love story began in 1994 whilst shooting The Libertine, ultimately resulting in marriage and the birth of their son, Harry.
Speaking candidly, the actress likened marriage to “going to work”. “Putting on a lovely dress and make-up, learning lines, someone doing your hair … I can see that would be really appealing if you don’t do it for a living,” she disclosed.
Annika airs today on BBC One (August 2nd), from 9:10pm.