Lynley star Leo Suter clarifies how new series is “updated” and “fresh” – and not a remake of classic drama

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Leo Suter emphasizes that the new BBC detective series, Lynley, isn’t a repeat of the earlier ‘The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.’ He explains that these are original stories, drawn from books that haven’t been adapted for television before, and that the show has been modernized and given a new feel.

The new version of the series differs from the original, which featured Nathaniel Parker as the aristocratic detective Thomas Lynley and Sharon Small as his down-to-earth partner, Barbara Havers, not just in its source material.

The show reflects modern Britain, which has changed a lot in the two decades since the original series aired, explains Suter. A key element is the contrast between the characters of Lynley, who comes from wealth, and Havers, who doesn’t—a difference that highlights the complexities of social class, which is never simple to understand.

The world of the Lynley novels feels especially relevant today, particularly in modern Britain and Norfolk, with its overflowing prisons and the influx of drugs arriving from Europe. The society depicted in the current books is quite different from the one Nat Parker explored 25 years ago, and even more so from the world originally created by Elizabeth George.

I recently learned that Bradley Suter, who I recognize as a star from shows like Vikings: Valhalla, Victoria, Beecham House, and Sanditon, is joining the new Inspector Lynley Mysteries series. What’s really interesting is that he wasn’t even seven years old when the original series first aired! He hadn’t seen any of it, or read the books either, so he’s coming to this role completely fresh.

He briefly looked at the first book to get started, but didn’t read beyond that. He recognizes it’s helpful to know how the character was played before, but ultimately believes it’s important to create his own unique portrayal and move forward with his own vision.

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It’s surprisingly hard to pin down what ‘class’ really means, as Suter points out. I asked him to describe his own background, because on the surface, he appears to come from a privileged upbringing. He was educated at the exclusive St Paul’s school in London, followed by New College, Oxford. Although he’s not from an aristocratic family – his parents were professionals – he’s certainly part of the upper class. I wanted to know how much he believes this privilege has influenced his life and work.

After thinking it over, he really drove home the point that social class still matters, even if it doesn’t always look the same as it used to. He’s incredibly thankful for the education he received, and understands it gave him advantages growing up. What he especially loved about university was meeting people from all walks of life – something he didn’t experience in school – and that really opened his eyes to new perspectives. It genuinely broadened his horizons, and that’s something he deeply appreciates.

Coming from a business family, what are his thoughts on Lynley, who comes from a wealthy, aristocratic background? He describes Lynley as arrogant and showy, with many potentially unlikeable qualities. However, he admires that Lynley has rejected a life of inherited privilege to pursue work he’s passionate about and believes in. He sees Lynley’s dedication to being a hardworking police detective – even at the cost of his personal life – as truly admirable and noble.

Lynley will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 5th January at 8:30pm.

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Authors

Gareth McLean

For almost three decades, Gareth McLean has been a writer and critic specializing in television. He’s reviewed countless programs and interviewed a wide range of personalities, including stars like Liza Minnelli and, formerly, Jimmy Savile. He’s also worked as a writer on television shows.

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2025-12-29 20:54