Anna Maxwell-Martin Talks The Second Series Of The BBC’s Ludwig

Partners In Crime

The BBC’s Ludwig starring David Mitchell returns for a second series this week, 20 August, and here’s one of its stars, Anna Maxwell-Martin, talking about what we can expect…

Where do we find Lucy at the start of this series?

We find Lucy, John and Henry pretty much straight off the back of series one. They’re still embroiled in the same investigation, which is trying to find out where James is. John has been revealed as not being James, and so they’re trying to work out how to get all the information they need when he is no longer in disguise as James. It’s a bit less domesticated and Lucy is now working for the local advertiser paper. She thinks she’s a crime reporter, but that role doesn’t even exist, and they don’t really cover anything consequential.

What’s John’s relationship with Lucy like now?

John and Lucy are more partners in crime now, rather than Lucy just being a cipher for information. They’re in it together and on the mission together, which is good. Lucy is sparky, energetic, and perpetually positive. She is the Tigger to his Eeyore. He is thinking it through, and she wants to grasp life. It’s wonderful to play someone so positive.

What is Lucy’s relationship with Gareth (Mark Bonnar)?

Gareth is utterly exhausted by Lucy, her energy and positivity. He wants a quiet life eating biscuits. He doesn’t have any interest in Lucy getting up in his grill and demanding that they do more work, so he’s a bit exasperated with her.

What is the difference between series one and two?

This series is bigger and better, brighter and bolder. It builds on the success of the first and it’s got even better. We all really enjoy being here and creating the show. Mark Brotherhood, our writer, is so responsive. He doesn’t block you; he really wants to show everyone off and that’s really exciting.

How do you find the balance between humour and drama?

That is definitely Mark Brotherhood. You step into a role and make of it what you can, but Mark has given me comedy and pathos in Lucy. We see more depth of character alongside the comedy and I’m very grateful to Mark for giving me both.

Who is your favourite amateur sleuth?

I’m going to have to say, because I’ve watched every single episode, Silent Witness is one of my top favourite programmes of all time. You could say they’re not amateur sleuths, they’re pathologists, but they do always seem to crack the case. If I’m going back to my childhood, I’m going to say Dempsey and Makepeace.

What will audiences love about the new series?

I hope that they go on the journey with Lucy and John. It’s funny, sweet, and light-hearted but some moments are painful. I hope that they just enjoy the show, rather than thinking too deeply about its meaning.