As fans of Spooks, Unforgotten and Last Tango In Halifax, we’re thrilled when we get the chance to sit down with actress Nicola Walker.
The 51-year-old star is down-to-earth and chatty as we quiz her on what’s in store for viewers ahead of the final season of The Split.
“The brilliant thing I’m allowed to reveal is the series ends with a wedding. But I can’t tell you whose it will be,” teases Nicola, who plays Hannah Stern in the steamy legal drama.
We also have a giggle as she gives us an insight into her family life with fellow actor and husband Barnaby Kay, 52. She tells us that although they are very supportive of one another’s work, their teenage son Harry is far less interested.
“I don’t think my son has ever seen anything I’ve done,” she says.
And when we ask Nicola what’s next for her, she answers humbly, “My dream role is always the job you get next. I’m available from 11 June.”
So how does she feel ahead of the final season of The Split airing?
"I’m in denial! I keep thinking we’re going to meet up next year and make another one," she said.
"I’m still grinning all the time because anything to do with The Split family puts a massive smile on my face. I want everyone to enjoy it. It’s such a good story and it has a fantastic ending."
Despite working on huge shows, from Unforgotten to Last Tango In Halifax, Nicola says the success doesn't get old/
"You keep pinching yourself – and that isn’t faux humility," she said.
"When you’ve worked on a big-hitter you don’t ever think you’ll get another one like it."
But she still doesn't sit down as a family and watch her shows on TV.
"I don’t think my son has ever seen anything I’ve done. He’s seen bits but he’s never watched a whole episode, because obviously that’s weird, as I’m his mum," she said.
"My husband, Barney, watches it though. He’s very supportive."
But Nicola makes sure she watches every series she does - despite it being "very odd" watching yourself on screen.
"Loads of actors say they don’t but I do. These shows take up five or six months of my life and I care about them deeply," she said.
"I want to see what we’ve made. Saying that, it’s not a joyful experience watching yourself on camera. It’s actually very odd."
Hannah and Nathan will go through their own split this series.
"In the beginning, Hannah is hopeful," Nicola reveals.
"She meets Nathan for dinner and thinks there might be a way back. Him leaving that ring in the hall last season absolutely devastated her.
"She’s had almost a year to mull it all over and decided that she wants him back. The brilliant thing I’m allowed to reveal is that the series ends with a wedding. But, obviously, I can’t tell you whose."
Christie Carmichael, played by Barry Atsma, is also back.
"It’s brilliantly timed," she said of his return.
"You think he’s not a part of the equation any more but around the middle of the season he sets foot on UK soil."
