It’s definitely daunting taking over the lead role in Red Eye after Richard Armitage! He’s a well-known actor – I really enjoyed his work in The Hobbit – and the first season was a huge hit. My goal is to build on that success and make this season even more exciting.
While Line of Duty involved some running around, Red Eye really allowed you to play a full-fledged action hero. Harrison Ford believes actors should do as many of their own stunts as possible because seeing the risk on their face makes the scene more relatable – that’s why Tom Cruise is so good at it. Thankfully, the filmmakers on Red Eye let you do a lot of your own stunts, which was fantastic.
Were you exercising to get ready for this?
Yes, but I would have anyway. I like to work out, though I also enjoy treats like beer and pizza. That means I need to exercise regularly to balance out my diet.
It takes a lot of dedication to stay in shape for a role like this. Luckily, the director, Kieron Hawkes, is a close friend of mine. He introduced me to Krav Maga, a martial art from Israel, and I’ve been training several times a week ever since. During filming, Kieron and I shared an apartment with a gym, so we were able to work out together in the evenings.
Working with Jing [Lusi, who plays Detective Hana Li] was fantastic. She’s a real leader on set and truly dedicated to the show – she really wanted to make it the best it could be. I’ve been the ‘number one’ on a project before, and it can be stressful, so I kept reminding her to enjoy the process and remember that it should be fun.
Is this show enjoyable? It’s like a playful, grown-up version of cops and robbers. The creator, Peter A Dowling, was inspired by action movies like Die Hard, Speed, and The Fugitive – films that prioritize excitement over realism. As the show progresses, it becomes increasingly far-fetched, but that’s the point. Sometimes people just want to escape and have fun, and that’s what this show delivers.
Many fans are excited about the return of Line of Duty. While a reunion was expected, Jed Mercurio, the show’s creator, insisted he would only bring it back if he had a compelling new storyline.
I’ll be returning next year, and I’m really excited to rejoin the team – they’re like family to me. I can’t wait to be back in Belfast with Vicky McClure keeping us all on track!
Can you say anything about the story?
I think it’s going to be quite explosive.
Read more: Line of Duty’s Martin Compston hints season 7 will answer unresolved questions
Red Eye season 2 premieres on ITV1 and ITVX on New Year’s Day 2026.
Don’t miss ‘Red Eye’! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob ‘What to Watch’ app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.
Authors
For almost three decades, Gareth McLean has been a writer and critic specializing in television. He’s reviewed countless shows 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 programs.
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2025-12-29 20:51