Annika TV series: Nicola Walker returns to screens in this new BBC crime drama and here's all you need to know
Ready, Steady, Go... binge watch it!
If ever there was a reason to get the kids in bed early or the baby to sleep, the return of Nicola Walker in BBC One crime drama Annika is just that.
The much-loved actress, last starred in Hertfordshire-filmed BBC comedy Marriage, but it received mixed reviews and prior to that she starred in Unforgotten but was written out of season five and also the sixth series.
But Nicola has returned to her crime drama roots, playing the lead role of DI Annika Strandhed in the six-part Scottish TV series which is based on the BBC Radio 4 drama Annika Stranded. Viewers want to know more about the show and where it's filmed.
The story is centred on Annika Strandhed, a Detective Inspector in the Scottish police, who recently transferred to the Glasgow-based Marine Homicide Unit (MHU). She brings her teenage daughter with her. And fans will see how Annika's relationship with her daughter develops across all the episodes.
And while some fans are struggling to get their heads around the different style of filming, which often sees Nicola break through the fourth wall to communicate directly with the audience about the current case and personal matters, others have been drawn into the drama.
One fan criticised, "I love and adore Nicola Walker but the first ep was a hard watch. The other actors around her are awful and the 'to camera' bits of it just don't work for me.... Such a shame but I can't watch another episode already. Sorry Nicola you are better than this."
While another praising Nicola's work, "Absolutely love Nicola Walker. Annika is a noir influenced police procedural but better as Nicola breaks the 4th wall."
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
A post shared by Nicola Walker (@nicolawalkeruk)
A photo posted by on
Speaking about playing Annika, Nicola said in a recent interview, "As everyone knows, I've played a lot of detectives over the years. But I've been Annika a long time now, and if there was a chance of getting her fully fleshed out in a real-world environment, I wanted to be part of it. I was very keen to see how she worked transposed to life in Scotland."
And on the controversial method of speaking to the camera, Nicola admits she first found it challenging, she told Alibi, "On the first day, I kept stopping and laughing. It felt so wrong. But by the end, I was so into it, I was flicking looks at the camera all the time. I'm very worried about my next job now - "why does she keep looking down the lens?" It might have ruined me for the future!"
What channel is Annika on in the UK?
Annika is on BBC One on Saturdays at 9.15pm and all six episodes are available on BBC iPlayer. Viewers can also stream on Sky Go and NOW. It is also available to watch on the Alibi channel on UKTV on Tuesdays at 9pm.
Annika episode guide:
- Episode 1 - On her first day in the new role, Annika and the team are called in to solve the murder of a man found in the Clyde, a harpoon piercing his head.
- Episode 2 - When a body is found on a boat in the Clyde, the case takes the team to the Isle of Bute. Evidence points to a jilted lover, but as the team investigate, a darker secret starts to emerge.
- Episode 3 - When the body of a scientist is found in Loch Katrine, Annika is reminded of Ibsen's Enemy of the People. With so many people wanting him dead, which one was pushed over the edge?
- Episode 4 - The team is called in when writer Cara Gibson is found dead under a bridge. Her books left a lot of lives in tatters, but which of these people would be driven to murder?
- Episode 5 - Annika and the team are tasked with solving the death of a popular man who was thrown in the river from a party boat.
- Episode 6 - The murder of a young woman in Glasgow hits the team hard when Michael's brother is named as the next of kin. Michael is taken off the case while his brother is investigated.
Related BBC Features:
- Waterloo Road Season 2
- Race Across The World
- Steeltown Murders
- Guilt - where was it filmed?
- Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line up
Video of the week
Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)
-
15 baby names parents love but 'don't feel cool enough' to use - would you choose one?
These baby names are a 'guilty pleasure' for parents
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Half of Gen Z say their parents 'don't take my mental health concerns seriously', research shows - here are 3 ways to help support older children
With research showing that half of teens and young adults feel their parents don't take their mental health concerns seriously, we share how you can show your support.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
CoComelon has been accused of being 'overstimulating' - the experts explain why it's ok to let your kid watch the popular cartoon
CoComelon is adored by kids around the world, but some experts have shared reasons they don't think children should be watching - we look at both sides of the argument.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
The Boy and the Heron age rating: Is the Oscar winning anime movie for kids?
The Boy and the Heron age rating: As the Oscar winning anime picks up major accolades, parents are wondering whether it's suitable for young kids.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Got a kid who loves anime? Here are the 10 shows they’re probably watching, plus everything to know about the popular genre
Does your child love anime? From old favourites to brand new finds, you'll find some great suggestions for shows they can watch from our top ten list.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Everything we know about the next instalment
When is Bridgerton season 3 coming out? Here's everything we know about the third instalment, as the countdown to its arrival is on!
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding and her family?
Is Wicked Little Letters a true story and what happened to Rose Gooding? When Rose was suspected of sending obscene letters, an unbelievable tale unfolded.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Which MAFS couples have babies? Contestants from the UK and Australia series' who've welcomed children
Which MAFS couples have babies? We take a look at contestants from the UK and Australia series' who went on to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Why I love watching the Gladiators reboot with my kids - from reminiscing about my own childhood to finding a connection with my family, it's about more than the nostalgia
Sharing the joy of Gladiators with my kids, has been one of the best moments of the year so far. Here's everything I love about watching the show with them.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Avatar: The Last Airbender for kids? What you need to know about the Netflix live action's age rating
Is Avatar: The Last Airbender for kids? Here's what you need to know about the live action version of the Nickelodeon animation, as it lands on Netflix.
By Lucy Wigley Published