Blue Lights writer on police force’s “hidden trauma” – and why show’s will-they, won’t-they story had to end

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TopMob received an invitation to visit the set of the TV show Blue Lights in Belfast shortly after its second series won a Bafta award for best drama. The cast and crew were understandably excited while filming the third series. They were even displaying the Bafta award on set today, at Netherleigh House – a former government building now used as the police station, Blackthorn Station, in the show.

All the indoor sets – including the recreation room, briefing room, offices, and interview room – are built within the same building. Nathan Braniff, who plays Constable Tommy Foster, explains that the realistic set makes their work much simpler. “We don’t have to pretend or use our imaginations because everything feels authentic, right down to the police cars parked outside. It really feels like working in a real police station.”

The show is remarkably detailed, and that’s thanks to the writers, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson. Both are experienced journalists – they used to work for the BBC’s Panorama and Spotlight programs – and they clearly do their homework. They typically spend three months researching each series, interviewing around 25 police officers, plus lawyers, victims, and Belfast business owners to ensure accuracy and depth.

Lawn explains that officers often shared deeply emotional experiences, often breaking down in tears while recounting them. This made the team feel unprepared to offer support, like they weren’t qualified to act as therapists. Many of these officers hadn’t ever received therapy themselves, preferring to cope on their own. The series highlights the significant amount of unaddressed and hidden trauma within the police force.

In the main hallway, there’s a noticeable memorial honoring Constable Gerry Cliff (played by Richard Dormer), who died during the first series. There’s also a plaque remembering officers who were killed in the line of duty. Despite his death, Constable Cliff remains an important part of the story in the new series, which begins this Monday.

Michael Smiley will play Paul “Colly” Collins, an intelligence officer who used to work with Cliff and is now determined to find justice – and maybe get revenge – for his death. Mark Lawn, who is now 48, explains this storyline is personal to him, as his own father died when he was 32. He believes it’s unacceptable for people to be forgotten after they die, and that their memory lives on in those who knew them, almost like they’re still present.

This also represents the deep sense of loss felt by many in Northern Ireland. Any honest portrayal of life here needs to acknowledge the pain caused by death, grief, and violence – it’s a fundamental part of our history and identity. A lot of people died or were seriously injured, and the effects of that trauma are still with us today.

The show’s creators consulted with three police couples-including one pair who worked together-to make the relationship dynamics between police officer Stevie Neill (Martin McCann) and social worker-turned-police-officer Grace Ellis (Siân Brooke) feel authentic. The two characters shared their first kiss at the end of the second series.

According to Lawn, drawn-out romantic tension can be effective on TV, but writers sometimes rely on it too much just to keep viewers hooked. Eventually, audiences want to see the payoff – like a kiss or a confession of love. The challenge is figuring out what happens *after* that moment. Once the couple is together, can the show still maintain interest, or will it feel like they’ve run out of story?

People often ask if Grace and Stevie are in a relationship, which actor McCann finds amusing. He describes their connection as a mature and realistic portrayal of workplace romance, avoiding typical Hollywood tropes. Brooke adds that the series explores how their past experiences shape their present as they navigate the challenges of their profession together.

The first series of the show was filmed in a republican area of West Belfast, and the second in a loyalist part of East Belfast. Now, for series three, we’re moving to where I live – the more affluent suburbs of South Belfast. I’m actually writing about the people around here, because I’ve always suspected the real criminals aren’t who everyone thinks. It might mean I have to move when it’s all over, but honestly, I’m prepared for that.

Crime affects all neighborhoods, not just certain ones. While this city is known for having challenges in working-class areas, and those problems are real, police officers don’t only respond to incidents there. They often deal with serious issues in wealthier homes as well. In fact, financially motivated crimes can be even more damaging than street crime.

I also checked out the set of The Deanery, a really lavish private club, which is conveniently located right next to the Blackthorn Station set. The interior is amazing – think a huge gold and teal octopus, peacock wallpaper, and lots of cool artwork and stylish lamps. It’s owned by Dana Morgan, played by Cathy Tyson, who’s new to the show this season, and she’s hosting a party for the club’s first anniversary with a crowd of wealthy guests.

Tyson says this is a completely new type of role for her. Her character leads a dangerous, underground business while secretly living a double life. Tyson describes her as incredibly smart and a sociopath, explaining she researched the condition to prepare for the part.

Writers Fleabag Lawn and Louis Patterson dedicate significant time to discussing each character with the actors, ensuring they feel invested in their roles, even for brief appearances. According to Lawn, ‘Blue Lights’ is, at its core, a character-driven story. The criminal storylines are secondary to the personal journeys of the officers, who all face challenges that make them question if their work is truly worthwhile. The answer to that question is revealed in the sixth episode.

Plans for the fourth series of Blue Lights were made even before the second series aired. The show heavily featured local talent, with over 87% of the cast and crew being from Northern Ireland. A recent BBC report shows the series boosted the Northern Ireland economy by around £20 million. When accepting a Bafta award, creator Stephen Lawn dedicated the win to Belfast.

Growing up in west Belfast, McCann never considered a career with the police. He believes a new drama is finally showing viewers the human side of those who risk their lives serving in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and changing how people see the force.

A producer in New York told me last year that Belfast was really having a moment, and I responded that I hoped it would last for 30 years,” Lawn said with a laugh. “That’s the goal – to keep the momentum going and not let it fade away.”

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2025-09-23 03:23