Hidden Assets star reveals script change after shock season 3 development

by

*Warning: Contains major spoilers for Hidden Assets.*

Claire Wallace often faces unexpected challenges while working for Ireland’s Criminal Assets Bureau.

The third season of the RTÉ drama Hidden Assets, now available on the BBC, begins with a shocking event that puts detective sergeant Claire Walsh on the case of €27 million stolen from Dublin. Her investigation leads her to the Basque Country.

While searching the home of Nick Heaslip, the portfolio manager who had stolen money, she found him with a gun. Despite her efforts to stop him, he fatally shot himself.

Claire is facing a really difficult time, both in her personal life and at work. She’s under a lot of pressure from her bosses, and the media is starting to pay close attention to the situation.

However, the most surprising twist – even more shocking than the storylines involving murder and human trafficking – happens right at the very end of the show.

While investigating in Spain, Claire was exposed to toxic waste. During a follow-up blood test, she unexpectedly learned she was pregnant.

Nora-Jane Noone shared that the script initially had a different direction for her character, Claire. Originally, Claire was supposed to smile upon receiving the news, but that was later changed.

Noone didn’t believe her character would act like that, and she brought this up with the show’s producers.

She explained that she questioned the response, saying, ‘It just didn’t seem right.’ She felt strongly that people should have the freedom to decide if they want to have children, and she also acknowledged the situation was emotionally complex.

She seems genuinely happy, but worries about how her career will affect her personal life. They’d previously agreed she’d have several years to focus on work, after her husband had been the primary caregiver, but she’s discovered how much she loves her work with CAB and feels she’s making a real impact. Because of this, she’s changed her mind and wants to continue pursuing it.

She explained that any existing problems in their relationship will likely get worse, and having a baby won’t solve them. While she doesn’t know how things will progress, she thought the storyline ended well, appreciating its realistic complexity and hoping future episodes continue to explore those nuances.

Aaron Monaghan, who plays DS Sean Prendergast, also shared his hopes for a fourth season.

The show has a lot of freedom in terms of location and storylines, allowing it to take place anywhere in the world. Because it tackles current events, there’s a wealth of material to draw from, he explained.

“So I would imagine they’re looking at it, and I think all of us would be delighted to come back.”

One thing’s for certain: if they do return, Sean will continue to support Claire, on all fronts.

He explained that the two characters have a strong connection, built on shared experiences and mutual respect. They’ve supported each other through difficult times and genuinely care for one another.

Although as Monaghan notes, that can sometimes make things a little complicated.

I’ve been watching Sean carefully, and it’s clear he’s deeply affected by what Claire went through. Right from the start, you can see his personal concern for her, and honestly, it drives a lot of his actions throughout the season. He frequently blurs the lines between being a professional and a friend, and his worry for her really takes center stage.

I think what he’s getting at is that I’m avoiding dealing with either this current case or the difficult things I experienced back in Ireland. And honestly, he might have a point sometimes. But even if he’s right about my motivations, it still feels wrong – unprofessional, even. It just doesn’t sit well with me how he’s going about it.

But that, he added, is what makes their dynamic so compelling.

It’s wonderful how the writers have developed a strong working relationship, and the show also beautifully reveals their personal connections as a close team. They’ve done a fantastic job of subtly showing these dynamics.

Hidden Assets is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Keep track of your favorite shows with the TopMob: What to Watch app! Download now to get daily TV recommendations, exclusive features, and easily add hidden gems to your watchlist.

Authors

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Let me tell you about Abby Robinson – she’s the person TopMob turns to for all things TV drama and comedy. Before joining them, she was writing about television at Digital Spy and crafting content for Mumsnet. She’s clearly got a strong background in words, holding both a degree and a postgraduate diploma in English Studies – so she really knows her stuff when it comes to analyzing a good show!

Read More

2026-03-30 14:36