WORKING AT FULL BLAST
Met bomb squad officers race to stop terrorists who have targeted London in this explosive new drama
This new drama starring Line Of Duty’s Vicky Mcclure turns the spotlight on the Metropolitan Police’s bomb disposal unit. And as it’s produced by much-lauded Line Of Duty writer
Jed Mercurio, comparisons between the two are bound to be drawn.
But Vicky, who plays former soldier Lana Washington, says her character is very different from Line Of Duty’s Kate and the two series are quite distinct. “There’s a lot more action. It’s an explosive drama,” she says.
“Of course, it can’t be avoided that the police department is going to be part of it but I think the audience will get involved in this new world and very quickly be transported there.”
Vicky is joined by Hustle actor Adrian Lester, who plays fellow officer – or “expo” – Joel “Nut” Nutkins.
When London is rocked by a terror campaign, Lana and Nut must track down those responsible – and defuse their deadly devices – before more lives are threatened.
“Lana becomes more lost as she tries to work out who is planting these bombs and why it’s getting closer to home,” explains Vicky.
“They start to recognise signs that there’s a connection to the devices they’re picking up. Then, in the middle of that, she’s got her own personal issues to deal with.”
The show, which was filmed in and around London last summer, features
plenty of pyrotechnic explosions and action.
“I’m always keen to do as much as I can but this was the most physical job I’ve ever had,” Vicky adds.
“There’s a big protective bomb suit that I wear. It weighs an absolute ton but I didn’t want the weight taken out of it.
“It has all these tubes that feed aircon into the suit and you feel very suffocated and claustrophobic. I was intrigued by how that would feel.”