Gemma Whelan On The Tower Series 3

Tomorrow night, ITV’s hit police procedural drama The Tower returns for its third season, with all four episodes airing across four nights – so set your alarm for 9pm. Starring alongside Tahirah Sharif, Emmett J. Scanlan and Jimmy Akingbola, to quench our excitement, we sat down with the series’ star Gemma Whelan to hear all about what we can expect – plus what else she has been getting up to.

Interview: Gemma Whelan On The Tower Series 3

© David Reiss

Hi Gemma, how’s life going at the moment?

Hello, life is summer holidays and good times at the moment. We’re off on an actual holiday soon – the first time we’ve had a summer holiday in ages as I’m always working over summer…! This year, I am managing to juggle work and holiday, which is the dream!

You are about to return for The Tower series 3 – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show for anyone unfamiliar?

Stronger, faster, brighter, better, cleverer – and also the same, if that’s possible… There’s loads packed into the story this season and multiple storylines woven masterfully together by Patrick [Harbinson] – there’s not enough good words to pitch it – just watch it!

What can we expect from series 3?

This season addresses knife crime and gang culture and loyalty both within the police and without. Series 3 digs deeper into the whys and the hows of what gang members will do to survive whilst, parallel to that, we see the police asking themselves similar questions about loyalty and where the line really is… We are all more similar than different…

You play DS Sarah Collins – how would you describe her?

Sarah is more settled in herself this season – more assured and more front footed than ever whilst navigating the tricky line that is policing and weighing the grey areas of her job up against her unshakeable moral compass…

What is it like playing her?

I love playing her. She is so clear and unwavering in her work, but it’s been fun to allow the cracks to appear.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

There is a major incident stunt that we had to shoot with multiple vehicles and stunts and fire etc, and we had one Sunday on which to shoot the scenes as there was road closure permission. Sarah features heavily in the scenes, but on the day, I had a family emergency and could only shoot for two hours in the late afternoon – and I can’t tell you how much it looks like I was there all day in all the shots! I basically arrived and they were like, ‘stand there for that, run there, do that, jump there, hop over that, then drive there!’ I did everything I was told and they filmed it and they made it work! Telly magic!

What is the cast dynamic?

After three seasons, we are all very well connected with each other and how we work, and the dynamic is professional and fun. It’s a great cast family.

Who is your favourite person to work with?

Ha! Can’t choose.

GEMMA WHELAN as DI Sarah Collins in The Tower series 3. (© Mammoth Screen for
ITV)

What’s your favourite crime novel or TV series other than The Tower?

Novel is Engleby and TV series is Columbo or Blue Lights.

You’ve also got Funny Woman series 2 coming up on Sky – can you tell us a little bit about that?

Yes, I play a journalist called Lynda Jay who is out for the scoop and appears to be prepared to stop at nothing to get the story… It’s such a great series with Gemma Arterton in the lead and is set in the ’60s which is a most excellent era to emulate. Who doesn’t love a beehive?

How did your experience on Funny Woman differ to The Tower?

Funnily enough, we used the same location for both shoots, but similar only in that. The jobs differ really in content but largely TV shoots are remarkably similar once they call action.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I will always cherish the time I spent on Game of Thrones as it was such an epic thing to be part of. I was also so proud of the work we achieved in The Moorside and White House Farm. Then there’s Gentleman Jack, and all the others, and oh I can’t really choose. Every job is my favourite job as I absolutely love what I do.

Any other roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I am currently filming on Kenneth Branagh’s new film and I am pinching myself. Delighted!

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

Patrick Malahide was exceptional in his generosity and warmth and humour as my father in Game of Thrones, and Alfie Allen will always be one of my favourites as we spent years together playing siblings. It’s honestly too hard to choose: Suranne Jones, Sheridan Smith, Mark Gatiss, Greg Davies and many, many more. Don’t make me choose – I loved them all!

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Emily Blunt and Anthony Hopkins were something else when I did a tiny bit in The Wolfman – warm and kind and on it. And Patrick Malahide, again, us such a pro to watch. I think you learn from everyone you meet really… I am a watcher and suck up all the info I can just by just observing.

What’s your dream role?

To keep working is my dream…

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d love to do a horror movie.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

Yes, loads.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in the town and visit the country. They both have their wonders.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Stay in your lanes, but make sure you wave at each other – we are all doing our best even if it looks different. Choosing kindness every time.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Lots! Ooh, cryptic…

© David Reiss

Gemma Whelan Recommends…

I’m currently watching… The White Lotus – so so so so late to the party…

What I’m reading… I narrate lots of audiobooks so currently the latest title for that side of my work. It’s called Blue Hour.

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Olympics, specifically the gymnastics, athletics, diving and artistic swimming.

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… I can’t wait to go to the theatre in the autumn. I’ve got my sights on a few things at The National Theatre…

Favourite film of all time… Mrs Doubtfire

Favourite song of all time… This is so mood dependent… Gah, I don’t know. ‘Eye of The Tiger’?!

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Elbow

My ultimate cultural recommendation… The Proms

Cultural guilty pleasure… No such thing – it’s all culture right…!? (Horrible Histories boat tour on the Thames!)

WATCH

Gemma Whelan stars as Detective Sergeant Sarah Collins in The Tower. Series 3 of The Tower will air on ITV1 over four nights at 9pm from 2–5 September. Catch up with all episodes on ITVX. itv.com