Veteran British actor Martin Shaw has shattered the illusion of camaraderie on the set of the beloved BBC legal drama Judge John Deed, exposing a bitter and long-running feud with a co-star he brands as 'deeply arrogant'.
The 79-year-old star, famed for his roles in The Professionals and Inspector George Gently, has finally broken his silence on the toxic atmosphere that festered behind the cameras. Shaw points a direct finger at an unnamed male colleague whose unbearable behaviour made filming a misery.
'A Poisonous Atmosphere' on Set
Shaw didn't hold back, describing his co-star's attitude as corrosive. 'He was a nightmare. It was a deeply unpleasant atmosphere that he created,' Shaw revealed. The tension was so palpable it infected the entire production, turning what should have been a creative collaboration into a dreaded daily ordeal.
The actor's refusal to name names has sent speculation into overdrive, with fans desperately trying to uncover the identity of the culprit from the show's cast, which included the likes of Jenny Seagrove and Barbara Thorn.
More Than Just Creative Differences
This wasn't a simple case of two actors not getting along. Shaw frames it as a fundamental clash of professionalism versus ego. He implies a level of disrespect that went beyond mere petulance, suggesting a profound arrogance that undermined the entire production.
The revelation offers a rare and candid glimpse into the often-hidden world of television production, proving that even the most polished and successful shows can be riddled with discord and personal animosity.
A Legacy Tarnished by Conflict
Despite the show's success and its run of several seasons, Shaw's comments forever change the legacy of Judge John Deed. It's no longer just remembered as a popular courtroom drama but now also as a case study in how a single individual's behaviour can poison a well-loved project.
Shaw's decision to speak out after all these years highlights the lasting impact of the conflict, a wound that clearly never fully healed for the esteemed actor.
