Leo Suter will soon appear as aristocrat-detective Tommy Lynley in the BBC’s reboot of classic crime series Lynley, sparking discussions about the British class system. Suter notes that his American wife, Haylee Roderick, is puzzled by this concerned preoccupation, remarking, “She’s like: What!?” reports BritPanorama.
Suter reflects on a close friend’s confusion over the hierarchy of UK supermarkets, prompting him to acknowledge this shared cultural quirk, laughingly suggesting, “And I bet you could do it, right?” When questioned about his own class status, he admits, “I think I wouldn’t,” indicating the complexities of addressing British class.
The character of Tommy Lynley, a clever, Oxford-educated detective who prefers the challenges of the Metropolitan Police to a life of privilege, was developed by American novelist Elizabeth George in the late 1980s. Lynley represents a tradition of British detectives whose intellect often coexists with a snobbish attitude towards the working-class. This lineage includes figures such as Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Morse, who, despite their various backgrounds, often engage in classes’ stark dynamics.
Suter’s portrayal acknowledges a shift in societal attitudes, stating, “People now suppress and hide their Oxbridgeness… certainly their blue bloodedness.” He emphasizes that Lynley must adapt to a more subtle approach in a contemporary police setting. The dynamic between Lynley and his working-class sidekick DS Barbara Havers has been a focal point; Havers, played by Sofia Barclay, routinely challenges Lynley about his privilege.
Contextually, modern depictions of class reflect significant changes. The show’s writer, Steve Thompson, reveals that conversations with the cast have included issues like drug trafficking affecting communities near Lynley’s fictional setting. For instance, in late 2025, police apprehended members of a drug gang in Great Yarmouth, seizing ten kilograms of cocaine, illustrating the pressing social issues that crime dramas today must navigate.
Suter describes Lynley as a “good man” with a “strong moral compass” determined to face societal issues rather than ignore them. Born in London in 1993 to prominent parents, he recognizes similarities in the character’s choices regarding career paths. “When I was at university, the natural career path after graduation was towards management consultancy… but I knew early on that I wanted to be an actor,” he shares, highlighting the risks he took upon entering the industry.
The actor reflects on the contrasting perspectives he experienced due to the career choice he made. Despite initial curiosity from peers about his aspirations, he notes that “there is something quite nice about the spirituality of bringing somebody into the world,” particularly as he recently welcomed his first child. He ties this notion to his late mother, expressing a poignant connection as he embraces fatherhood.
Lynley continues next Monday at 8.30 pm on BBC One. The full series is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
