Harry Woods

What drew you to SS-GB?

It’s just a really interesting idea: what would have happened if we had lost the Battle of Britain. What would this country have been like? That hypothesis is fascinating. It’s very easy to say that we would have fought the Nazis on the beaches. But if it had happened, there is no doubt that we could have been like the French. I think many people would have said: “Listen, we just want to keep our families alive and eat.”

Can you please outline your character for us?

Harry is Archer’s partner at Scotland Yard. Archer has been university educated and fast-tracked through The Met. Harry is a safe pair of hands to accompany him on his investigations. He resents the Occupation tremendously but unlike Archer, he’s making his own secret active stand.

What impact do you think this drama will have?

Some people still remember the Second World War. I remember sweetie rations – which I have been making up for ever since! But SS-GB will play an important role and have a big impact because it will remind people about the vital struggle of the war. It depicts a Nazi Occupation of Britain that could so easily have happened.

It’s a terrific thriller that is beautifully written and directed. There is piles to enjoy in that, and in imagining what Britain could have been like. It’s quite salutary to think: “It wasn’t as cut and dried as we like to think.” SS-GB will look amazing and appear polished and smooth, but it’s still a very meaningful piece of work. It will really ask questions of people.