Interview with David Caves

How is Jack coping after his experiences in Mexico?
To begin with, he’s not coping very well. He is feeling low and guilty because he could not save Nikki. This causes some tension between them. He is shy and awkward around her and can barely look her in the eye. He feels he failed her. He tries to distance himself from her because he feels so useless and it’s unbearable for him. She tries to reach him but he's emotionally unavailable.

Jack appears to have a love interest in one block this series, what can you tell us about her?
He works closely with a detective on a case and there is an attraction. They flirt a bit but mainly enjoy working together.

Jack is also back boxing this series. Was that fun to film?
We see him training himself and someone else in the gym. He does mixed martial arts and boxing is definitely a part of that, but by no means it all. Actors generally love the physical stuff because it's immediately dynamic and you have a very strong, simple action to play. For example, my fist must connect with this punch bag, or I must get this series of moves right with my partner in the scene. It's always great to film. Plus, it’s so integral to who Jack is. Fighters have a very particular mindset and discipline which I love to get into when playing the part. He's a doer and I like that he gets stuff done.

Are there any episodes you are particularly looking forward to watching this series?
All of them but especially One Day, which takes place in and around two care homes and feature Clarissa and Jack in a big way. We get more of a glimpse into their relationship and I think it's a fantastic story. People might be shocked but hopefully impressed that we tackled the difficult subject matter head-on. Liz is outstanding in it.

Episode synopses

Moment Of Surrender (episodes one and two)
Written by Ed Whitmore, Directed by Charles Palmer
When Nikki’s (Emilia Fox) pathologist friend Sally Vaughn (Emma Fielding) disappears, suspicion falls on her colleague, David Cannon (Julian Rhind-Tutt), who is invited to work at the Lyell while police investigate Sally’s disappearance. Nikki is tasked with keeping close watch over his movements as his behaviour becomes increasingly erratic.

Duty Of Candour (episodes three and four)
Written by Matthew Arlidge, Directed by Destiny Ekaragha
A series of tragic events are linked to the hacking of a hospital database and the subsequent blackmailing of patients in return for silence over their guilty secrets.

A Special Relationship (episodes five and six)
Written by Graham Mitchell, Directed by Diarmuid Goggins
A US Diplomat is shot dead in a central London square, forcing Nikki (Emilia Fox), Jack (David Caves), Clarissa (Liz Carr) and Thomas (Richard Lintern) to work closely with the Embassy and the FBI to overcome jurisdictional hurdles.

One Day (episodes seven and eight)
Written by Timothy Prager, Directed by Thaddeus O’Sullivan
A road traffic accident leads to the Lyell team uncovering a large number of abuse cases in a group of homes providing assisted living to those with disabilities. The team - Clarissa in particular - has to fight not only for justice but against prejudice and discrimination.

Family (episodes nine and ten)
Written by Michael Crompton, Directed by Colin Teague
It's Christmas morning and Nikki, Jack, Thomas and Clarissa are just settling down for their respective festive celebrations when they are interrupted by a call-out to a family home - and the horrific aftermath of a shooting spree.