Ahead of thew new series of Luther, we spoke to Ruth Wilson about what it's like playing Alice Morgan and what's in store for series 5.
How does it feel to be back for series 5?
It feels great to be back for series 5. I’ve missed Alice as everyone else has. She’s really fun character to play and I get to do some action in this season. I get to kill a few more people… and have some great scenes with Idris.
Where do we find Alice at the beginning of series 5?
We find that Alice isn’t actually dead. Things have all gone a bit wrong, so she’s come back to get Luther’s help.
What’s in store for viewers in series 5?
It’s an action packed series. Alice is back with a vengeance. She’s funnier than ever; she’s more lethal than ever and she and Luther get up to some dastardly things.
What’s new in series 5?
What’s new about this series that we have – well usually there’s a new psychopath or killer each episode but this this season we have one storyline that goes over 4 episodes.
And what about further exploring Alice Morgan…
I’ve absolutely adored playing Alice and each season we find new sides to her. This season we certainly see a lot more to Alice.
What do you think is the international appeal of Luther?
It’s dark it’s broody, it has a huge personality at the centre of it who is morally complex and who is a is a ‘goody’ but does things that aren’t necessarily right. I think he’s a really accessible character that people are really attached to. It’s a thriller, it’s fast-paced, its exciting, its dark and there’s great characters.
Compare the first day of filming Luther to the first day of Series 5?
Well first day of Luther I think we did a scene inside my flat when I tell him about a black hole. I was very nervous working with Idris. I was a big fan of his from The Wire so I was incredibly nervous working with him. But also it was quite an odd character and I think I was making quite bold choices, so I think I just kept asking – ‘is it too much?’
I love playing her. There’s a real joy to Alice. And I think in the context of the show, it’s quite useful to have a character like that who can bring lightness to it. Even though she does dark things, she does it playfully and I think the audience enjoy it for that reason. I love coming back. The first day coming back was just a joy. It was wonderful to see the old crew. We have lots of characters coming back so it was like an all-star reunion and it’s been really fun to do.
What does it take to get into the character of Alice?
For Alice, unlike a lot of the characters that I do, I think it’s about having joy in the scenes and finding the moments of levity and playing around with the scenes that exist on the page. I think it’s about having a freedom to play a bit more.
She doesn’t feel deeply. Or she doesn’t go there. She’s able to avoid feeling deeply so she doesn’t act with conscience. And it’s quite nice to play. It means I don’t have to worry about the subtext of what’s going on underneath her, it’s almost like water off a duck’s back. So its quite liberating to play her, a joy to play her.
What would a perfect day be for John Luther?
He’s not very happy when he’s not working. He looks more depressed when he’s sitting in his cottage by the sea. So I think he’s happy with his coat on, chasing baddies with Alice Morgan by his side.
I think a happy day for Alice would be quite similar – chasing baddies with John Luther.
Describe the new season of Luther in 5 words.
The new season of Luther is violent, funny, fast-paced, brilliant characters – old characters, new characters. That’s more than 5 words but I don’t care!
How is it working with Idris Elba?
I love it. We have such a rapport and we worked out it’s been almost 10 years since we started the first season. We’ve got a shorthand and it just becomes more quirky as we go on. We are very at ease with each other and the scenes become so much more than what is on the page because we can play.
Don't forget to watch Luther tonight at 9pm on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer.