Laurie Davidson, known for his role as the charming Mr Ryder in BBC's Regency drama The Other Bennet Sister, makes a stark return to television tonight in Sky's action thriller Prisoner. The actor portrays Declan Dempsey, the son of a mafia boss desperate to earn his father's approval.
Davidson described his character as the black sheep of a crime family, hungry for an opportunity to prove himself. 'He's not really taken that seriously within the organisation,' Davidson said. 'His dad is under house arrest which presents an opportunity for Declan to prove himself and try and ultimately seize power.'
The six-part series centres on Amber Todd, a prisoner transport officer played by Izuka Hoyle, whose return from maternity leave goes awry when her convoy is attacked. She becomes shackled to high-value prisoner Tibor Stone (Tahar Rahim), a contract killer targeted by crime organisation Pegasus.
Davidson explained that Declan lacks confidence and crumbles under his father's gaze, adding: 'Harrison fully expects him to fail, so he does.' The series also stars Leonie Benesch as assassin Nina Dragus, Tibor's former apprentice.
Prisoner airs on Sky tonight at 9pm and will be available as a boxset on Sky and NOW.
