Kim Medcalf (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. Kim Medcalf plays Practice Manager and Nurse Annie Harker.
What appealed to you about starring in Harley Street?
It’s a sexy medical drama which was really appealing and taking something new that had just been created also attracted me. Coming from a long running drama like EastEnders, I’ve never experienced that before. I was also keen to play Annie as she’s a very different character from the role I’ve become known for. To be one of the regulars who’s in the drama from the beginning was also great.
A lot of viewers will remember you as Sam Mitchell in EastEnders. How does your character Annie Harker in Harley Street differ from her?
They couldn’t be more different. Annie is a professional. Everything she does is very considered. She’s the rational one of the team who keeps the surgery together, whereas Sam Mitchell messed everything up in her life and made decisions based on her heart rather than her head. Annie’s much more sensible than Sam and she’s very capable and dedicated to her job.
How does Annie fit into the practice?
Annie is the practice manager who keeps an eye on everything. She holds weekly meetings with the doctors to inform them of all their appointments and what issues there are to look out for. Aside from her professional role, she’s also a friend to Martha. They stick together in a man’s world, as Annie keeps the boys in check. We see her having coffee with Martha during the practice downtime and consoling her when she gets stressed out or when things go wrong.
How does Annie get on with Hannah, played by Cush Jumbo?
Hannah is a lot younger than Annie, so she pulls her up on things, such as reading magazines under her desk and eating when she’s working! She’s on her back quite a lot but it’s all done with a bit of humour. She’s not too dictatorial as a character.
What does Annie think of Felix Quinn?
Annie doesn’t trust him after he leaks the confidential information about one of Robert’s patients to the press. She can’t forgive him for that and her attitude towards him changes.
Do we get to see a more personal side to Annie?
Yes we do. Annie’s softer side come out in episode four when she falls for her personal trainer. When he becomes ill we see Annie at his bedside and discover a more vulnerable side to her.
