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JAMIE BAMBER plays DS Matt Devlin
How have you found the new series?
“I have enjoyed it a lot. We all know each other and the format so well now. It’s like going back to school after the summer holidays, as you pick up from where you left off! There is plenty of camaraderie on set and Bradley and I get on very well. We are great friends now and it's a pleasure to film it.”
Do you still enjoy playing Matt?
“Yes. The more I play Matt, the more familiar I become with him and the better I get know the character. I find I have more to offer. At the beginning, you are searching for what kind of character he is, alongside the writers and producers. But after a couple of years, I really have inhabited the skin of Matt Devlin!”
What was your most memorable episode?
“Episode four, ‘Confession’. I really felt I had time to explore my character because it involved a personal story. Matt thinks he can cope with anything. He thinks he is a resilient character who can deal with almost any situation. But when an old friend, who is a policeman, is shot dead, he has to deal with some issues. I don't want to give too much away but the storyline is a big upheaval for him.”
Have you enjoyed the gritty storylines?
“Definitely. The point of the show is we do examine modern society. We do tend to look at it through horrific events. We look at what it stands for, what can go wrong and the positives too.”
Do you take your character home with you?
“No. Law & Order:UK is easier than most jobs. Thankfully it is not too traumatic and so Matt Devlin does not come home with me.”
As you film more series of Law & Order:UK, do you have greater respect for the role of the police?
“Yes and the Crown Prosecution Service. They get a hard press for things going wrong, but they do have to deal with the most awkward situations. They do a pretty good job. The public expects justice.”
Are you surprised Law & Order:UK has taken off?
“No, not at all. When you are dealing with something that has been such a big hit in America, it is not exactly a surprise. It is a tried and tested formula and it is one that makes you think on a weekly basis. I think people enjoy that mental challenge.”
What can viewers expect from the third series?
“The familiarity of the show combined with the different cases will hopefully draw people in.”
You have worked in the US before. Are you tempted to return?
“Well I still have a house there and our lives are partly there. I am pretty sure we will go back, I am sure I will live in LA again. Nothing is forever in this world, especially the line of work I do. No two jobs are ever the same. You can be working in theatre one minute, and doing a voiceover the next. LA is just another different experience.”
What have you been doing since filming finished?
“I’ve was out in South Africa doing some filming just before the World Cup, which was very interesting and I am just about to start filming a movie in France. It is a romantic comedy and I play an American who can speak French. I speak fluent French and Italian. It's something I have always wanted to do, so I am very excited. Then I will be back to film more Law & Order:UK! I have had a very varied time recently.”
Ever fancy the idea of going on a reality show?
“(Laughs.) There is a reason why I want to be an actor. Part of that reason is I don't massively enjoy being myself in front of thousands of people.”
You are a dad. Do you find it difficult juggling work with fatherhood?
“The great thing about Law & Order:UK is it is shot in London and so I get to go home every day. I am able to have a bit of time with my family and I am really grateful for that. My children do know I am on TV. When they were younger, they used to look behind the TV to see where the pictures were coming from! They are still too young to watch me on Law & Order:UK but they do see me on the chat shows.”
Are any of them showing signs of following in your footsteps?
“I think it is quite normal for kids to be fascinated by songs and the theatre. My eldest daughter does look to be showing all the signs, but I will be proud of them whatever they do.”
“I will encourage them if they have the enthusiasm for whatever they want to do, but I wouldn't want to be like Andre Agassi's dad (whose book I have just been reading). He forced him to hit hundreds of tennis balls every day!”
Sounds like life is going very well for you right now…
“Yes I feel very fortunate. And I hope Law & Order:UK continues to become part of the TV establishment.”
Source: ITV
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