Paul Nicholls (Harley Street) Interview
Starring Paul Nicholls, Suranne Jones and Shaun Parkes, Harley Street is a glossy, post-watershed 6-part medical drama series for ITV, set in London’s famous medical district, in a new stylish Harley Street practice. Paul Nicholls plays Dr Robert Fielding.
How would you describe your character Robert Fielding?
He’s a workaholic and totally dedicated to a career he loves. His passion for the job doesn’t leave him much social time. When he’s not working at the practice he’s working shifts at the local A&E. Robert’s biggest flaw is that he tends to care too much about his patients.
Tell us the history behind Martha and Roberts’s relationship?
They dated for a short time whilst they were at medical school. Martha suddenly left her studies without an explanation and Robert hadn’t seen or heard from her until recently, when she got back in contact to offer him a job at the practice. Robert’s true feelings for Martha are the big mystery in Harley Street. There’s always the question of will they, won’t they?
Robert has a reputation of being a bit of a ladies man. Why do you think this is?
Robert has a very clean living life and the one vice he allows himself is women. Robert enjoys having no strings attached sex and uses it to alleviate his stress. He’d rather work than be involved in a relationship.
Did you do any medical research prior to filming?
Yes, I went to see a private GP on Harley Street. She gave me a unique insight into her work ethos. In order to develop my character I asked her about the emotional side to her career and how she manages to maintain her professionalism during difficult cases. She was telling me that when she drives home after work she does a mental detox to let everything go. We also had a practitioner on set every time there was a medical procedure. They would guide us and make everything look as realistic as possible.
What makes Harley Street different to other medical dramas?
Harley Street is one of the most famous medical districts in the world. We want Harley Street to be relevant to everyday people. The series delivers big medical action sequences, which bring a new take on medical emergencies via a GP. All the doctors in Harley Street are at the top of their game and after watching just one episode you’ll want to be a patient there.
Have you worked with any of the cast before?
I’ve always wanted to work with Suranne so I was really chuffed when I heard she was playing the part of Martha. I went to see Kim in Hayfever with Judi Dench and I thought she was amazing, so again I’m really pleased that I’ve had this opportunity to work with her. Shaun and I shared a dressing room for a couple of days when we were both filming Daylight Robbery.
