DCI Banks

ITV Encore: Interviews

BROADCHURCH1500

YOU might have guessed by now that I’m a big fan of TV drama.

So I was delighted to be asked to write the interviews for the launch of ITV Encore.

A new top quality drama channel launching on Sky Channel 123 at 7pm tonight (Monday June 9).

I spoke at length to ITV Director of Television Peter Fincham.

And to Broadchurch producer Richard Stokes who had some interesting revelations.

Including details of a series one scene that never made the screen during the original run.

Plus other details about the series you might not know.

Continue reading →

DCI Banks: Playing With Fire

Stephen Tompkinson as DCI Banks

A trip north to see Stephen Tompkinson on location between Manchester and Leeds.

He was filming the first full series of ITV1 drama DCI Banks after two pilot episodes last autumn.

Where I also spoke to co-star Andrea Lowe, who re-lives her own real life fire nightmare in the opening story.

And I learned how filming had to be stopped when it was feared the stars were in danger.

My feature is in today’s MEN and below.

Sitting in his trailer, Stephen also compared modern day detective Alan Banks to Gene Hunt.

Continue reading →