Interview with Anna Skellern

Tell us about the UNIT

The UNIT is an elite taskforce that’s been brought together as a new initiative to take down the top criminals in Britain. They put people under surveillance and intercept their calls, but rather than trying to convict the low-level criminals that they come into contact with, such as the drug couriers, they’re trying to go higher up the chain until they can get to the people actually in charge of the decisions.

Who is Kim and what role does she play in the UNIT?

Kim used to be in the Flying Squad and was asked to join the UNIT. She’s in charge of surveillance on the ground, so she’ll often be in the UNIT listening but will also go out and actively follow someone. Kim’s excited that Ash is now part of the team as, unlike Martin who’s very strict, Ash’s methods aren’t by the book.

What is Kim’s relationship with Martin?

I think it’s one of those one night stands that hangs around. At first, Kim’s very casual about it and just wants to go back to work and ignore that there might be any emotional undertones whatsoever. She’s very much the boy in the relationship! She’s a little bit emotionally stunted but Martin’s a catch and, as things progress, she realises what she had and deeply regrets her behaviour.

Kim comes across as tough, confident, no-nonsense but what is she really like under the surface?

I actually think she is just really tough! She has three brothers and has been brought up in a very masculine environment. You can’t imagine her mother would ever say, “But darling, how do you feel?” I imagine that when Martin wants her to talk about her feelings and voice them it’s a first for her. I think she’s still growing up.

Why do you think Kim has gone into this line of work?

Kim’s brothers are in the military and so was her dad so it’s a family tradition. I don’t think it’s anything she’s ever questioned because she’s always wanted to do it. Kim has a very strong sense of justice and a desire to get rid of the people from society who are making it dangerous. She’s been brought up with a really clear work ethic of protecting people.

What made you want to take up the role?

I loved it because it wasn’t an obvious role for a woman. I loved the way that Kim is portrayed as very competent, very strong and smart and how physically competent she is. Also Tony’s writing is incredibly nuanced, and a lot of the scenes are these little vignettes where we dip in and out of them. It allows you to be very subtle and very real.

How have you found the stunt scenes?

Andreas, our stunt co-ordinator, is brilliant and the stunt people we’ve had on are so talented. We the actors all sit there watching them and think, well they actually have the skills - we just sit here and pretend to say a few words!