FIVE MINUTES WITH ....

What’s it called?

The Harrowing

What’s it about?

A scripted crime drama with more than a whiff of the supernatural to it, The Harrowing follows the investigation into the hellish goings-on which occurred on the Scottish island of Toll Mòr over five days one Easter during a once-in-a-century storm. Police Sergeant Jackie O’Hara is initially called to investigate a family murdered in their farmhouse and finds the sole survivor, a young girl, wandering the hills. Episode one opens with her relating her experiences to superiors officers who are conducting some sort of enquiry. The story then unspools in flashbacks.

Who’s in it?

Joanne Froggatt, Golden Globe-winning star of Downton Abbey, stars as Jackie O’Hara. She’s joined a wealth of Scottish actors including Stuart Martin, Jamie Michie, Lewis Howden, Alec Newman, Hilary Maclean and Blair Kincaid.

What’s so good about it?

Froggatt has unquestionable star quality, even though it’s somewhat diminished by the lack of visuals, but from the very start the drama reveals itself to be a thing of quality, from the acting to the sound design.

Where can I find it?

The show is written by Mark Healy and the first three parts of the eight-parter were made available for download last week via iTunes. It’s made by content producers Storyglass, part of the Fremantle production company whose TV credits include The Young Pope.

For fans of ...

The Wicker Man, Shetland.

At a time when there’s a lot of uncertainty, there’s one thing soap fans can rely on: plenty of dramatic storylines. Anna Nightingale and Alexander Lincoln only joined the cast of Emmerdale last year, as Andrea and Jamie Tate. But it’s been a tumultuous time on screen so far for their characters – especially since Andrea discovered her husband’s affair with Belle Dingle (Eden TaylorDraper).

How’s it been returning with the social distancing measures in place?

Anna: It was really good to see some familiar faces and we all had inductions so we could get used to being back at work again. There’s so much been put in place, so everyone feels comfortable.

It’s very surreal because everyone is having to keep a distance, and there is a family vibe in the studio and on set. I do feel really safe, and it’s a nice environment.

Alex: They have a one-way system around the unit of the studio, which means if you take the wrong turn you have to walk all the way around the studio again.

It’s nice not talking to yourself, and seeing new people and having new conversations, and not being stuck in your flat eating terrible food and drink.

How much of the episodes were finished before lockdown?

Alex: The last day before lockdown, I was a bit ill that morning – nothing to do with Covid-19. I came in to work and I got sent home early. The assistant director had to stand in and shot all the scenes with the back of his head. I’ll have to come in and act at the back of what would be Claire’s head.

Thankfully I didn’t get a haircut after that – I got a little bit of a tan, but it’s all gone now. I look pretty much the same, which has worked out quite well.

You must be really enjoying being back filming...

Anna: Absolutely. It almost feels like a new job. Everyone is trying to make the best out of it all, and we’re not taking it for granted.

Alex: It’s amazing. I’ve been part of some amazing storylines and to show Jamie’s three-dimensional ability is amazing. There are so many different degrees to him. To be at the centre of this love triangle is brilliant and it is so fun to play. I couldn’t say a bad word about them. It’s great.

Talking of the love triangle, does Jamie believe he has a future with Belle?

Alex: I think at this point, especially with Andrea initially taking Millie, he is so angry at her for that – even though it doesn’t justify his behaviour.

I don’t think he sees him and Andrea getting back together due to sheer anger. With Andrea out of the picture, Jamie has got everything he wants, Millie is back, and things are back to normal.

How did it feel for Andrea when she returned to the village to see Jamie and Belle together?

Anna: To get back and the very first thing she sees is him with Belle, she realises nothing’s changed.

At the beginning, she is angry because she was convinced she was coming back to her husband at least being worried about their safety.

Anna Nightingale as Andrea Tate