In conversation.. Trigger point star Adrian Lester

What did you find exciting about Trigger Point when you first read the script?

Mainly that I’d never seen anything like it in a drama series on television. I also really wanted to work with Vicky, plus Jed and I have been circling around each other for a while - whenever a role came up in one of his shows that I would be applicable for I wasn’t available to film, but the stars aligned on Trigger Point. I really enjoyed acting out all the technical requirements needed to look like a member of a bomb disposal unit. We had a couple of sessions with a real expo, where they talked us through loop circuits, trigger points, charge and the detonator. Learning what all these terms meant was fascinating.

Had you met Vicky before?

No, we hadn’t crossed paths in any way at all really, but we knew of each other’s work We first met when we were going in for some expo training and advice. Vicky’s just brilliant - no airs or graces. She is a complete professional, who gets the job done. She’s a good person to work alongside and a great team leader. She’s got her eye on every detail, every change in the script has technical and character ramifications for further episodes.

How would you describe Nut and Lana’s relationship?

Nut wants to do things properly, to follow the rules. To be safe and do things by the book. Lana can be a little bit of a maverick - there is a slight tension. You get the sense that he’s a little bit older, he has been doing the job for longer, he goes by the book, whereas she’s impulsive. I really enjoyed creating the relationship with Vicky. We wanted to make it clear how well Nut and Lana get on.

How challenging was it to get into the mindset of an expo, someone who walks towards danger?

We talked to the real bomb disposal guys on set and you realise that this life is just a job to them. Most of the time they’re called out it is to deal with false alarms, like suspect packages and bags that have been left somewhere. It’s rare that you’ll get an actual device. They see themselves as consummate professionals who have a job to do. Never in a million years could I be an expo. It’s exciting, but you spend all your time waiting and when you get a call it’s very tense, you’re slowly checking wires and scanners. And because I’ve never seen their roles depicted on TV it was a fascinating experience to find out about them and play one.

What do you hope the audience will most enjoy about Trigger Point?

I don’t think viewers will be disappointed - the whole team has been desperate to take care of a strong developing storyline, not insulting the audience’s intelligence, drip feeding them information as much as they can.

There are lots of twists and turns, giving the audience the idea that the characters are dealing with a threat that is cleverer than them, which always makes for a good thriller.