In a surprising revelation, actor Peter Capaldi has shared a behind-the-scenes secret about the hit Apple TV crime thriller Criminal Record, just ahead of its highly anticipated second series launch. Appearing on ITV's This Morning with co-star Cush Jumbo, Capaldi left hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary stunned by disclosing that the cast does not rehearse their scenes together.
Protecting the On-Screen Tension
Capaldi explained that this unconventional approach helps preserve the "crackle" in their characters' fraught relationship. In the series, he plays veteran detective Daniel Hegarty, while Jumbo portrays the younger detective June Lenker, with their dynamic centered on clashing over an old murder case. By avoiding rehearsals, the actors aim to keep their interactions spontaneous and charged, mirroring the animosity between their roles.
A Long-Standing Friendship
The duo revealed they have known each other for two decades, with Capaldi noting he met Jumbo when she was a "crazy kid with a dream" and has since watched her evolve into an "international treasure." This deep friendship, however, poses a challenge on set. Jumbo added that they are "quite silly" off-camera and banter well, which contrasts sharply with their characters' hostility. To maintain the necessary distance, they consciously avoid warming up to each other during filming.
Spontaneity in Performance
When asked if this method resembles acting techniques, Capaldi laughed and clarified, "Well, no, it's like we just don't rehearse!" He emphasized that this lack of preparation allows for genuine reactions, as he often doesn't know what Jumbo will do until their characters interact on screen. Jumbo supported this, stating it makes their performances more spontaneous and authentic, enhancing the show's gritty realism.
Plot Teasers for the New Series
As for the upcoming episodes, Jumbo teased that their characters will not grow closer. June has advanced in her career and hopes to avoid working with Hegarty again, but finds herself drawn into a critical case involving a young murder victim from episode one. She described Hegarty as always having "more trap doors," hinting at continued tension and unexpected twists in the narrative.
The second series of Criminal Record is set to premiere on Wednesday, April 22, exclusively on Apple TV, promising more suspense and drama for fans of the crime thriller genre.
