Emilia Fox returns to screens tonight as Sylvia Fox in the third series of detective drama Signora Volpe, premiering on Acorn TV on Monday 5 October. The show follows the former British spy as she solves more crimes in Italy, after the second season ended with her abduction.
Sylvia's recovery and new cases
Now mentally and physically recovered, Sylvia is waiting for answers from her ex-husband, Adam Haines, about his past dealings with her kidnapper. This season sees her investigate the murder of a local winery owner and probe the mystery of a young man found dead in the bed of a power couple who claim never to have seen him before.
Her relationship with Giovanni Riva also deepens, but the finalisation of his divorce and his wish to settle down in Umbria threaten her sense of independence, reports the Mirror.
Opening episode and behind-the-scenes prep
In the opening episode, Sylvia works to solve the winery owner's murder. A clip shows her using her espionage expertise to spy before being held at gunpoint, swiftly disarming the person she has been watching and warning him: "We need to talk."
Before the series first aired in 2022, Emilia revealed the preparation she did for the part. "I did research with someone who had done a lot of espionage work and I did a lot of firearms work with him, also movement coaching just about where someone would place themselves in the room, what they look out for, even when they're walking down the road," she told Newsweek.
"He was fascinating. He opened up the back of his van and showed me all the things that they use. Then we went down the street for a wander and he showed me [how to] look in reflections in car wing mirrors and things like that, to see who's behind you."
Fan reaction to the series
The series has been a hit with viewers. One person wrote: "Loved it. The actors, the plots and the Italian scenery. Breaks away from the many dark and depressing drama series coming out of England in recent times." Another called it a "terrific" series, writing: "Emilia Fox is just stellar in her role as Sylvia Fox. The episodes are so well plotted with engaging stories, excellent pacing and memorable characters."
Someone else said: "Anything with Emilia Fox in is compulsive viewing as far as I'm concerned and this is just as compulsive." Another fan said they were "instantly hooked", hailing the "gripping plots, stunning Italian scenery and top-tier cast". Yet another called it "the best new show in years", while others described it as "captivating" and "sensational". One fan added: "This is one of the best series to come out of the UK in a long time."
Signora Volpe airs on Acorn TV tonight.
