‘Blue Lights’ Returns with Focus on Modern Policing in Belfast
As the acclaimed police drama Blue Lights returns to BBC One for its third series, actress Siân Brooke emphasizes the need for optimistic voices in challenging times. “The world needs more idealists,” she notes, pointing to her character Grace Ellis, a social worker-turned-police officer, as a figure embodying this ideal. Brooke asserts that grassroots efforts by principled individuals are essential for effecting change, reports BritPanorama.
Brooke, previously recognized for her roles in Sherlock, Guilt, and House of the Dragon, argues that Blue Lights distinguishes itself from numerous other police dramas through the authentic “humanity” presented in its characters. “I was concerned the police genre was saturated when I first heard about the show. But then I saw how fully formed the characters are, that even the smallest characters have real heart,” she says, noting that over seven million viewers watched the series’ inaugural episode. “There is a huge appetite to understand what Belfast is like now. The city is so much more than we’ve been led to believe,” she adds, rejecting the notion that it is merely a remnant of the Troubles.
In support of this authenticity, Brooke commends the “deep, journalistic” research conducted by writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, aimed at presenting a realistic portrayal of the policing landscape in modern Northern Ireland. Despite a decrease in risks since the Troubles, police officers remain vigilant, checking under their vehicles daily. The near-fatal shooting of DCI John Caldwell in 2023, shortly before the series aired, serves as a stark reminder of the still-present dangers. Caldwell was shot multiple times while off-duty, just after coaching a youth football team in Omagh, County Tyrone.
Brooke brings a personal connection to her role as a policeman’s daughter, providing unique insights into the psychological complexities of policing. “Dad was on the Staffordshire force for over 20 years,” she reflects, sharing that her upbringing gave her a different perspective on law enforcement. She recalls visiting police stations during “bring your kid to work” days, which enabled her to see the human side of policing.
Brooke remarks on her father’s effort to shelter her from the more intense aspects of his job: “I think he probably made a conscious decision not to show his children the whole of the world of what he had to deal with.” As she takes on the role of a police officer, she acknowledges the revelations of her father’s experiences, having felt the weight of the situations he navigated.
The series resonates deeply with viewers, particularly considering the portrayal of young officers confronting traumatic incidents. Brooke reflects on how her father managed similar situations during his career, revealing that he often depended on gallows humor as a coping mechanism, a theme echoed in the scripts of Blue Lights.
Brooke describes her engagement with acting as a gradual journey shaped by significant mentorships and experiences. She credits her growth in the industry to time spent in smaller roles within crime dramas, which helped her carve out her identity as an actor. Her formative years were also influenced by notable figures such as Sheila Hancock, whose guidance bolstered her development.
Her role as Eurus, Sherlock Holmes’ secret sister in Sherlock, is a standout moment in her career, marked by the excitement of filming a highly secretive project. “It was an incredible experience,” she says, reflecting on the thrill of such a high-profile role.
Brooke acknowledges the complexities of working in the arts, particularly given her parents’ community-focused professions. Despite the toll that portraying gritty characters can take, she recognizes the significance of acting as a medium for connection, especially during the pandemic when drama became a uniting force for audiences.
Highlighting the impact of Blue Lights, Brooke asserts its role in reshaping public perceptions of policing in Northern Ireland. “Without wanting to put it on a pedestal, I do think Blue Lights has educated people about what Northern Ireland is now,” she concludes, confident that the series prompts meaningful discussions about contemporary law enforcement.
‘Blue Lights’ returns to BBC One tonight at 9pm
