Bradley Walsh (Law & Order: UK) interview
Bradley Walsh returns as DS Ronnie Brooks to continue the fight for justice in a third series of ITV1's Law & Order: UK.
> Find out spoilers in our Series 3 episode guide.
> Buy the Series 1 DVD on Amazon.
> Buy the Series 2 DVD on Amazon.
How have you enjoyed this new series?
“I think this series without doubt, is the best so far. Everyone has pulled together to make this as good as it possibly can be, including all the writers, the actors and of course the technical staff and producers. The last series was so well received and got wonderful reviews. However, I think this series deserves to surpass that.”
How does your character develop in this new series? Do we see new sides coming out in his personality?
“I think what you see is what you get with Ronnie Brooks, his character is very set in stone from the first episode of the first series. That’s why he is so great to play. You know where you are with him.”
Why do you like playing your character so much?
“The fact that he is so level and grounded. Having been a reckless cop in the past with his drinking, the joy in playing this character is that he has seen it all and done it all. Now all he wants is to put the right criminals away.”
What's been the most memorable episode for you in this new series?
“I think the opening episode is so heart wrenching and sad and shows how a motherly instinct can overcome everything. People must watch this episode even if they’ve never watched it before. It shows what a great series it is but there are so many great episodes to come. I have five that are my equal favourites. You’ll just have to keep watching.”
There are some very gritty storylines including a child murder, a serial rapist, a bad prison officer and a cyberstalker. Do you like the fact they are such hard hitting subjects? Did you do research into any of the storylines for this new series?
“Yes, I really like the fact that they are hard hitting subjects, I really do. Because there are so many controversial storylines, they reflect what is happening in the news in our country today. The storylines are extraordinary. Sadly they reflect our society which is quite frightening. I do some research on the stories and have a look at how the stories they mirror in real life have panned out.”
You have to put on weight to play Ronnie because he is a portly chap. Is this easy? Do you stuff yourself with fatty food and cakes?
“Absolutely I do! It is relatively easy as Ronnie is eating in most of the scenes on set, tea with two sugars and paninis all day and cakes on set. But I also put on weight before I start filming. It’s a nightmare to try and get rid of the weight. It’s an absolute nightmare. Especially filming over winter and eating all those carbohydrates. And we film over Christmas when I eat even more.
Do you mind putting on weight or have you tried to persuade the producers to let your character be slim?! Does your family mind?
“It’s the nature of the part and as an actor that’s what you have to do. You have to go that extra mile and earn that role.”
Because the episodes are so hard hitting, do you find they take it out of you? Are they tiring to film?
“It is tiring to film but mostly because of the length of the days. We leave in the dark and come home in the dark. I’m fortunate that I can leave the character on set. I never take it home with me.”
Law & Order: UK has become very popular. Are you surprised it has taken off? Why do you think viewers like it so much?
“No I’m not surprised. It’s got some great storylines, it’s a global hit. The US series was the longest running cop show in America. Long may it reign in the UK. People from all walks of life regularly tell me how much they enjoy it.”
What do you hope viewers will get out of this new series?
“A sense of justice and a sense of good triumphing over evil.”
Filming this drama, does it every tempt you to want to try and land a part in the US version? Are you ever tempted to try and work in the US?
“I would love to play Ronnie Brooks in America bringing the English character over there. That would be great.”
What have you been doing since finishing filming?
“Working, working and working.”
Any other personal ambitions you have yet to fulfil?
“There’s never been a cockney Doctor Who. Surely it’s about time!”
Would you ever go on a reality show? Have you been asked?
“I have been asked many times to do all these shows. It just wouldn’t suit me. But I am glued to the shows when they are on, I absolutely love them.”
Would you ever return to Corrie?
“If the time was right for both the Street and myself to have Danny Baldwin back on the cobbles then I’d love to, one hundred per cent.”
Would you ever give up acting to do something totally new - or can you see yourself working forever and never retiring?
“I love my job so much that I can’t ever see me fully retiring but who knows? I still love it.”
Do you find the fame that comes with the job easy to cope with?
“The nice thing about working on television is that you get to meet all sorts of people and the people who watch TV are so lovely. They just want to come up and say hello and have a chat and that suits me fine.”
Do you make sure get the life/work balance right?
“I hope so. I love my family so much and my job. I’m a lucky man.”
Summing up, it sounds like life is pretty good at the moment?
“Yes. One should always remain with ones feet on the ground you never know what’s coming round the corner. In fact, there’s only one thing coming round the corner and that’s other corners, so take each day as it comes, keep your feet on the ground and don’t forget to smile because that costs nothing.”
Law & Order: UK returns at 9pm on Thursday 9th September 2010 on ITV1.
