In the initial episode of Karen Pirie’s first season, there was a humorous and insightful moment where the petite female detective found herself in an elevator filled with towering men. This scene not only provided a visual chuckle but also encapsulated the essence of Pirie – a police officer whose skills and rank challenge assumptions made based on her small stature. During a pause in filming for series two, actor Lauren Lyle shares a laugh when I bring up this memorable scene.
Lyle, standing at 5 feet 2 inches, shares: “Karen is now in charge, and I find it amusing that she’s attempting to boss around someone taller than her. This dynamic aids me as an actor because it allows others to appear larger, making me feel like a small dog constantly ready for a fight. She’s often cornered and must defend herself.
In actuality, does Lyle personally encounter such an event (the discovery of a woman from Scotland with the exact age and height)?
In an abandoned office building now functioning as a temporary police station in Glasgow, we find Detective Inspector Pirie, freshly promoted for season two of the show, convening her team to tackle a complex cold case. As the discussion unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Lyle bears striking similarities, beyond just physical stature, with her fictional counterpart.
Karen embodies a strong female anger that resonates deeply within me. Through her, I can release emotions I long to let go in my actual life.

The show, which earned Lyle a Best Actress Scottish BAFTA upon its 2022 premiere, is based on the books of Val McDermid (with Emer Kenny, who co-stars, serving as adapter). Known as the “queen of ‘tartan noir,'” McDermid is renowned for her crime fiction bestsellers, including a series that was adapted into ITV’s Wire in the Blood.
In an unusual twist – a police squad tasked with resolving a 40-year-old mystery concerning a missing heiress and her child – Detective Pirie stands apart from the stereotypical TV detectives Lyle characterizes as “mature men, often disgruntled with their lives, frequently battling alcohol issues, going through divorces, seemingly reluctant to perform their duties. Plagued by inner turmoil! In stark contrast, Pirie is witty, intelligent, and enthusiastic about her work. Her burden is more of a desire for justice rather than personal demons.
She remarks: “Rebus is permitted to be gruff and rise through the ranks in the ‘boys’ club.’ Meanwhile, Karen faces intense scrutiny, but she remains unfazed. She simply thinks, ‘I must find my own approach.’ This resonates with every woman’s experience.
Reflecting on my own journey as an actress, now with ten years of experience, I found a striking resemblance between my personal experiences and the character I portray in this film. As a woman in the industry, there’s often a pressure to be liked and to appease more than our male counterparts. I’ve found myself in situations where I’ve had valid opinions, but I’ve had to tread carefully to ensure they are received positively. On the other hand, a man might confidently express his disapproval, and he is often hailed as a visionary, while I might be perceived as challenging or even vain. However, much like my character Karen, I prioritize practicality over vanity in my appearance. For me, it’s not about looking pretty or attractive; it’s about being comfortable and functional in the roles I play.
She finds it quite appealing, doesn’t she? She smiles. “I find it sexy to take care of business. I guess I find myself attracted by being intelligent.
However, how authentic is this energetic newcomer, who swiftly outmaneuvers her seasoned police peers and delivers outcomes that leave no room for doubt or surpass expectations? Remarkably, it appears to be quite true-to-life. “It does happen,” asserts Lyle, having encountered characters like Pirie. “You might not expect it, but you could also wonder – is it feasible for a girl like me to headline a series? Indeed, because I have.

Lyle seized the opportunity for the role the moment she received the script. The actress, hailing from Glasgow, gained recognition portraying Marsali MacKimmie Fraser in the historical drama Outlander and as activist Jade Antoniak in Vigil, a thriller set on a submarine. She is also known for her role in Karen Pirie, another production by World Productions, who are famous for Line of Duty.
Lyle recounted, “During our rehearsal with the entire cast of Vigil, producer Simon Heath singled me out and asked, ‘Who’s that?’ as he recognized that I was perfect for the role of Karen Pirie. However, getting here wasn’t always easy.” Despite her appearance fitting the part to a T, there were some bumps along the way.
As a movie enthusiast hailing from Glasgow, I was apprehensive about the casting choice before our meeting. The fact that Karen, who is from Fife, has an accent different from mine had me slightly concerned. However, after our encounter, I found myself reassuring the team that I could adapt to a stronger accent if necessary. A week of nail-biting anticipation ensued, until one Friday evening at 8pm, my agent phoned with exciting news. Needless to say, I was overjoyed!
I could tell right away that it was going to be successful: The writing was superb, and the character’s essence was instantly clear to me. Moreover, she wrestled with imposter syndrome, questioning her abilities just like I did. After all, I had never headed a show before, not to mention having my name attached to it. It’s a heavy burden, knowing you have to deliver and excel. I felt the same weight on Karen’s shoulders – she has this case, and she needs to crack it.
Here we find ourselves tackling yet another production, even though today was supposed to be Lyle’s day off after six consecutive weeks of work – “yet the scene wasn’t completed last night, so we press on,” she says with a smile.
Next to her stands writer Emer Kenny, tasked with translating McDermid’s work for the screen and portraying River Wilde, Pirie’s colleague. Lyle recalls, “During series one, people would say, ‘You got the job because you’re her best friend,’ but I hadn’t even met her before.” With the abundance of lines, Kenny is the only one working at the same pace as me, which is how we became close and developed a quick rapport. By series two, she was writing for me.” Does Kenny occasionally pass a note about a scene? She laughs, “Sometimes if I’m too humorous, I’m told to tone it down and focus on the drama.
During her occasional downtime between acting gigs, Lyle yearns to be in London with her boyfriend and the circle of friends she forged upon relocating at age 19. “Life has certainly become more chaotic,” she admits, “and there’s a certain suspicion about who wants to be your friend. So I just want to spend time with those I already know.” As she rises to depart once more, she concludes: “What’s the purpose of life if not for enjoyment and creating something worthwhile?” And off she goes, striding confidently.

Karen Pirie season 2 will air from Sunday 20th July 2025 on ITV1 and ITVX.
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2025-07-15 02:34