Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are back for a third series of BBC drama Vigil, this time investigating a murder at a remote Arctic research station. The new case begins this weekend, with the pair reprising their roles as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.
Arctic Setting and New Case
In series three, a member of a covert British special forces mission has been murdered at the Arctic station. Amy and Kirsten, fresh from maternity leave, must catch the killer and defuse a potential international confrontation as nations compete for control of the Arctic and its resources.
Filming took place in Svalbard, an experience Jones described as beautiful. She noted the pair visited locations tourists do not normally see, with reindeer outside the breakfast room and snow buggy drives, though returning to Glasgow meant filming in heavy layers.
Praise for the Show's Representation
Jones called the project "kick-ass," highlighting its significance as a prime-time BBC show fronted by two women in a same-sex relationship. She said the characters are married with two children and that the personal scenes carry weight to reflect their connection.
She added that fans relate to Amy and Kirsten because they hope for the best and keep fighting, though the systems around them let them down. Rose Leslie, who married her Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington in 2018, praised working with Jones, calling her "utterly divine" and noting their relationship develops further in this series.
Working Mothers and New Cast
Leslie, a mother of two, spoke about returning to work after giving birth, describing working mums as "lionesses" juggling multiple responsibilities. Jones, a mother herself, noted they bonded over Leslie's pregnancies during the seasons.
Jones also praised the new cast, mentioning Eric Godon, who plays Mayor Korotayev, and the team spirit on set. She said having a new cast each series is lovely because the world changes, with only a few returning faces.
Vigil series three starts on August 30 on BBC1 at 9pm, with episodes one and two available on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
