Freema Agyeman (Law & Order: UK) interview
Freema Agyeman returns as CP Alesha Phillips 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.
Have you enjoyed making the third series?
“Yes massively so. It's great to have the insight of the first two series to go on.”
Does your character develop more?
“Yes and I am really pleased she does. There has been a steady development with her and she is constantly moving forward.
“This series we see Alesha and James sharing an office, which presents her as a more integral part of the prosecution team. In the first two series, she was very much James' protege and looking to him for guidance and instruction. She has a lot more confidence and responsibility in this series.”
In this series, she has to face up to issues involving a past storyline when she was raped. How does she cope?
“It is an important part of her story, and we certainly learn a little more about her state of mind. In some respects it's a resolution, but it's not something that can be neatly tidied away. Considering so much of her daily work life revolves around prosecuting other serious sexual offences, inevitably her personal experience resurfaces and does need readdressing.”
What’s been your favourite episode?
“If I was being selfish I would have to say 'Masquerade' as you learn more about Alesha. If I was being unbiased, then I would say ‘Defence’ because I loved the mental sparring between James Steel and Rupert Graves’ character. It was utterly engaging to watch the two of them bounce off each other.”
Do you take the character home with you?
“If I'm honest I've always had a strong opinion when it comes to the definition and discussion of right and wrong!”
Have you been taken aback by the show’s popularity?
“Yes and no. No, in the sense that I knew how successful the US franchise. And yes, because there was never any guarantee that transposing it onto the streets of London and into our court room, was going to be well received. Plus, the pressure to maintain the popularity of the franchise was huge. Especially with Dick Wolf watching!
“I do have utter faith in our show but it's always such a relief to know that people are watching and enjoying it. It's ultimately why we produce dramas and it's really validating!”
What have you been doing since finishing filming?
“I should probably say I have been doing a gruelling one hander at an amazing venue. But in all honesty, my sister had a baby girl just before we finished making Law & Order: UK and I didn’t get to see much of her at all. So since we finished, I have been spending so much time doing my Aunty duties and I adore it!”
“I have been on holiday with my family, spending quality time with my lovely boyfriend and doing lots of horse riding! I am enjoying having a break, and just trying to achieve that work/life balance! We start filming again in October, so come September, I will need to start retraining my body and mind as both will need a bit of a work out!”
Would you ever do a reality show?
“Never say never but I know that would need a whole new set of skills and I am not sure I possess them!”
Any other ambitions?
“I think theatre would be a good area for me to explore. I really feel like I learn a little more with each job I do and I believe it's all a process of gaining and utilising experience. Working with Ben Daniels, who has the most illustrious stage career, has been inspiring and I'd love to have a go!”
Alesha is very strong and independent. Do you feel like a role model to young aspiring actresses?
“I think inevitably with a job so firmly in the public eye, there will always be an element of that. Alesha is a strong, balanced, professional woman and I trust that sends a positive message.”
Similarly I think playing a variety of parts is just as important to aspiring actresses, so there is merit in playing the not so strong and independent too! Whatever the part, if people look to me as a role model, it’s a responsibility I don't take lightly.”
Are you enjoying your 30’s?
“Very much so! I am in a happy place right now with my career and on a personal level. But I do feel like I am heading towards a crossroads because I am 31 now and thinking a little more about the future. I'd love to have children and I'd love to work in America. But at the moment I'm really enjoying my time on Law & Order: UK. I've always been a fan of the franchise and I hope our version runs and runs!”
Law & Order: UK returns at 9pm on Thursday 9th September 2010 on ITV1.
