Olivia Hallinan (Lark Rise To Candleford) interview

BBC One's Lark Rise To Candleford, based on the novels by Flora Thompson and adapted by Bill Gallagher, returns in January and continues to chronicle the lives of the hamlet folk of Lark Rise and the wealthier inhabitants of neighbouring Candleford.

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Olivia Hallinan, who plays Laura Timmins, reveals how her character has grown up and deserves to find true love...


In the last series viewers saw Laura mature into a young woman. Are there any big storylines and surprises in this third series?

"There are too many to mention! Laura has grown up a lot since the last series and has taken on more responsibility – she is more confident in herself. A journalist (played by Ben Aldridge) arrives in episode one and viewers will see the relationship between him and Laura develop through the series. They have their ups and downs, that's all I am saying, but I do think Laura deserves to find true love.

"Some brilliant guests join us this year with some really exciting storylines surrounding them. Every script made me laugh and well up a bit. There are some hugely comic moments but be prepared for shocking and tragic ones, too. That's what I love about the show, you can be laughing one minute and crying the next!"

How are Laura, Dorcas, Minnie and Thomas adjusting to having young Sydney living at the post office?

"Sydney is one of the family and has settled in nicely. Edward Darnell-Hayes who plays him is a lovely boy and we are all very protective of him. I think the character adds another dynamic to the family. He has an effect on Dorcas (played by Julia Sawalha) – she really takes on the maternal role and seems very fulfilled."

Laura was seen as a sister figure to Minnie – what is her relationship like with Sydney?

"I don't have too many scenes on my own with Sydney, but it is lovely when we have dinner scenes together as a family and we can all have a natter. Laura looks out for Sydney and is aware that he is still quite vulnerable. He helps us out in the post office sometimes, which is fun. Laura continues to take on a sisterly role with Minnie, looking out for her and offering advice – I love working with Ruby (who plays Ruby Bentall)."

Does Laura still have a strong relationship with her father, Robert, and the rest of her family in Lark Rise?

"Laura is, and will always remain, fiercely loyal to her family and her Lark Rise roots. Although her career is on the up and she is settled in Candleford, she relishes spending time in Lark Rise with her family. Robert is always there to offer advice and Laura has inherited the Timmins streak of defiance from him. They are both very strong willed but she would do anything for her father. Emma is aware that Laura has turned into a young woman and teaches her to stand on her own two feet a lot more in this series. Although she is always there when Laura needs her, she knows that only she can sort out certain problems for herself. Laura will do anything to make them proud of her because family is more important to her than anything."

Young journalist Daniel Parish arrives in Candleford – what effect does he have on Laura?

"Laura is immediately taken with him. He is a journalist and she is fascinated by the fact that he is a real writer. Obviously, they share a passion for writing. I think she likes the fact that he is ambitious and has made such a success of himself and she certainly looks up to him. The relationship develops quite early on but, after Laura's heartbreak over the departure of Fisher Bloom last year, she is definitely wary of getting hurt and does not want to rush things."

Laura had started to develop her own style rather than wear hand-me-downs from Dorcas. What are her costumes like in this series?

"Better – I had more of an input this year. I think Laura is looking a little more sophisticated which reflects the change in her. I felt it was important that the audience see her as a more mature young woman as opposed to the rather naive and childlike Laura who arrived in Candleford two years ago. The costume designer has used more colours this year, too, which is great – I love dressing up. I have even got used to the corset this year – I'm going to feel quite lost without it."

Why do you think viewers enjoy the show so much?

"It's an hour of escapism every Sunday evening when it's cold and rainy outside! Audiences like to be transported into the past and the period is fascinating. It looks beautiful and is very heart-warming.

"I think the characters are endearing and, most importantly, nobody knows what will happen next as opposed to most period adaptations that have a definite ending. Flora Thompson wrote about 'the long-lost secret of being happy on little'. I think that is something that strikes a chord with modern audiences. Even though it is set so long ago, we still deal with the same moral dilemmas that many of the characters find themselves in today."

You are filming for most of the year – are there any anecdotes from filming?

"It's a seven-month shoot, which is crazy. All the weeks merge into one. We make sure we enjoy ourselves and we really are lucky to have the nicest cast and crew. There have been lots of rainy days – audiences would never guess when they watch it but the mud can drive us all mad sometimes. And my feet tend to freeze so I will let you in on a secret: I am well known for wearing my boots under my skirt! Sometimes I get the giggles, particularly in the post office. Mark Heap always has me laughing, as does Ruby (Bentall), her facial expressions are absolutely brilliant."


> Read our previous interview with Olivia Hallinan.