Caroline Quentin (Blue Murder) Interview
Caroline Quentin returns as DCI Janine Lewis in six new episodes of ITV1's police drama Blue Murder.
The episodes see Janine juggling the demands of her hectic home-life with running an under-pressure murder investigation team. Janine’s close to her team and the sharp sense of humour among them helps to preserve her sanity and theirs. Solving murders at work and screaming blue murder at home, it’s a tough life and it’s about to get tougher – can Janine hold it all together?
Read our interview with Ian Kelsey.
Take a look at our Series 5 episode guide.
How has the new series of Blue Murder developed since the last?
Janine’s kids are growing up, which brings new problems at home. Her husband, Pete, has moved to Spain with his new wife and Tom, her youngest, is really missing his dad. At work, this series really focuses on the other members in the team. It makes for some fantastic storylines.
Can you tell us about the cases DCI Janine Lewis tackles in the new series?
Episode one takes us into the world of cheerleaders and viewers can expect to see a lot of tan tights and pom-poms. I got to work with the very wonderful Siobhan Finneran which meant lots of laughs. In episode two Richard goes undercover in prison. I think regular viewers will really enjoy seeing Ian Kelsey in a very different situation. I know it was great fun for him to film with Mark Benton, who is brilliant as ever. Episode three is the first time that a case has taken the team out of Manchester City Centre. It’s fun to see them coping in their various ways to life in the country. I will just say that Shap isn’t exactly Ray Mears, but it’s great to see Butchers in his element, as he turns into a real country boy.
Which is your favourite episode?
Episode’s five and six are my favourite episodes of Blue Murder, directed by Juliet May. I love the story and it is so beautifully scripted and shot. Nick Murchie is terrific in this episode and it’s good to see his character, Shap, under pressure.
Some classic police dramas are strongly associated with the area they’re filmed in. Do you think this is the same with Blue Murder which is filmed in Manchester?
Manchester is the star of the show really. It’s a wonderfully diverse city and I hope we show that across the six episodes.
At times throughout the series we see Janine struggling with her high profile job and her family life. What impact does Pete’s decision to move abroad have on her and the children?
It’s really hard for the kids not having their dad around very much, particularly for Tom who is only 12 and needs a father figure. It’s also tough on Janine because bringing up four children on her own is incredibly demanding and at times extremely lonely.
We’ve recently seen you on screen in the BBC1 comedy Life Of Riley. What genre do you prefer, comedy or drama?
I love doing both. A good script is a good script. Having said that, I’m enjoying getting laughs again after such a long time away from sitcom.
What makes Blue Murder stand out from other detective shows?
I guess it’s the juxtaposition of Janine’s domestic life against her police career. Audiences seem to like the mix.
How do you make sure Blue Murder portrays each murder investigation realistically?
The writers are thorough in their research. We just turn up and we know they have got it right.
What does Janine make of her new team member Kat, played by Belinda Everett?
It’s great that Janine has a new female colleague and such a cool, funny, strong one. Kat is awesome and so is Belinda who plays her.
