The Cleaner

A gamekeeper has been murdered in rural Wales, and it falls to Wicky to clean up the mess. He knows that whatever happens on the job, it's important not to lose your head.

A gamekeeper has been murdered in rural Wales, and it falls to Wicky to clean up the mess - whilst trying not to get in the way of the undertakers. But Wicky and the undertakers aren't the only people at the scene of the crime, and things take a turn for the sinister. Wicky knows that whatever happens on the job, it's important not to lose your head.

Roisin Conaty interview

Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?

My character is part of an inept batshit serial killer couple. She is also really into the mythology of serial killers so she wants to make sure her killings make the grade of the well-known serial killers. She is very camp and heightened, it's almost like she is playacting as a serial killer but y'know she kills people. It was fun to play someone who was so grandiose and dominant. Also great wig.

What was it like working alongside Greg?

Ah, I always love working with Greg, lots of laughs and gossiping between takes. It was a very different dynamic for us as my character has total control over him which was a bit different to Man Down.
How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?

I think I would respond like those fainting goats. I'm not good with blood and gore. The smell of a babies nappy can make me dizzy.

Rudi Dharmalingam interview

Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?

'Him', his actual name is open to debate, is the brains behind the serial killing partnership between himself and 'Her', name also open for discussion. Their operation requires a meticulous approach to killing as many people as possible without getting caught.

Outside of his serial killing exploits, 'Him' is most likely to be found behind a desk at his local council, probably the Planning Department. I imagine he's always the first person to recognise that the tree that's just been hacked down was under a Tree Preservation Order and therefore the culprits will be held accountable, with a heavy fine.

He's pragmatic, rational and is quick to adhere to the moment where quitting whilst on top is paramount. He arranges a dog sitter, he packs the killing instruments and always fills the car up with a full tank of petrol.

I rarely get the chance to do comedy, so when I read this I immediately wanted to do it. The writing is so authentic which means you don't have to act funny but rather just play the lines for truth and the rest will take care of itself. I grew up watching shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Smell Of Reeves And Mortimer and The Fast Show. Comedy is a genre that inspired me from a very early age. It's great to finally have a chance to do some.

What was it like working alongside Greg?

He's a joy to be around, very welcoming, kind and supportive.

Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?

I think, just looking in the mirror for the first time, once in full costume was a special moment. The moustache, the hiking boots, the compass and what looked like a festive beanie hat was all a bit overwhelming. It was one of the moments when you realise that most people grow out of this pretend stuff a long time ago and here I am still at it.

How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?

I think it takes a certain type of person to deal with that kind of situation. The blood, the trauma, the smell. Not for me thanks.

Mark Lewis Jones interview

Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?

His name is Richard, he's an undertaker and an incredibly upright man and very suited to the rules, he's got a very, very clear idea of what being an undertaker is. What attracted me to the role is you get to see a kind of softer side as the episode progresses. He first appears to be very stiff and straight-laced and actually, underneath it all, is a softer centre.

What was it like working alongside Greg?

Wonderful. We had a lovely time, it was a great episode, I really enjoyed it. Greg's been somebody who's been in my life through my kids so they were thrilled when I told them I would be working with Greg. We were all staying at a lovely location, in the same hotel and we had a really lovely week.

Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?

Well, all of it really! We just had a really fun week and it was really nice to be a part of.

How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?

I'd be alright actually. I'm very tidy so I'd clean it up to within an inch of its life.

Joshua McCord interview

Can you tell us a bit about your character and what attracted you to the role?

Timber works with his older brother Richard for the family-run undertakers business and it's definitely a job he has fallen into, and he has literally fallen most of his life... hence the name Timber. He's more hapless than helpful and probably the last person you would want to be in-charge of your or a loved one's body "on their final earthly journey". Let's just say he's not the sharpest tool in the box.

I loved the script when I read it and the way that Timber is infantilised by his brother and tries to assert himself. He's submissive and constantly trying to prove himself but never getting it quite right, but there's something tragic and dark about him. I love playing low status characters with an underlying high status desperate to come out. I loved the dynamic between the two brothers, any opportunity to play a role where I can be gormless, not care about what I look like and have fun, I'm there. I was also a huge fan of the show, basically after reading the script I really wanted to do it.

What was it like working alongside Greg?

AWFUL. He's a nasty piece of work. He's lovely. I had such a great time, it can be quite daunting when your acting with the person that's written the script but Greg was incredibly generous and supportive and of course funny, so he really put me at ease.

Do you have a favourite moment from filming your episode?

I really had a brilliant time, it's hard to think of a specific moment. I loved working with and getting to know everyone. It was really hard trying not to corpse in scenes with Mark and Greg, they're both very funny on and off camera. Trying to hold back laughter when filming is the worst but best feeling. But you don't want to mess up a take for the crew. Mark had a line in a scene that nearly got me every time, the camera was on me for a take and I had to pinch my leg at one stage, so I guess it's a worst and best moment all at the same time.

How do you think you would fare as a crime-scene cleaner?

Oh I would be absolutely useless. I'm more of a tidier than a cleaner and I'm pretty squeamish. I also have an awful gag reflex to bad smells... my toddler is potty training at the moment and cleaning up his crime scenes is just about as far as I can go...