Advertisement

Jed Mercurio and Vicky McClure don't mind new drama Trigger Point's Line Of Duty comparisons

Trigger Point, starring Vicky McLure turns the spotlight on counter terrorism policing and the work of the Metropolitan Police Bomb Disposal Squad. (ITV)
Trigger Point, starring Vicky McClure, turns the spotlight on counter terrorism policing and the work of the Metropolitan Police Bomb Disposal Squad. (ITV)

New drama Trigger Point's Vicky McClure and Jed Mercurio have said being compared to Line Of Duty can only be a good thing for their show.

Mercurio, who serves as executive producer on the forthcoming ITV series about bomb disposal operatives, wrote BBC smash hit Line Of Duty, and both dramas feature McClure in a leading role.

Read more: The best TV of 2021

Inevitably, Trigger Point is drawing comparisons to their most famous show, but both said that they were happy to cash in on some of the police procedural's success.

McClure told Yahoo and other press: "I'm not concerned, this is what actors do. I've fallen into this genre and Line Of Duty, we never expected it to do what it's done and I can't be worried about taking roles that might feel in a similar world because of that.

Vicky McClure stars alongside Adrian Dunbar and Martin Compston in 'Line Of Duty'. (BBC)
Vicky McClure stars alongside Adrian Dunbar and Martin Compston in 'Line Of Duty'. (BBC)

"I don't see (the two characters) together as the same people at all. They're both very strong women for sure and very brave and very committed, but that's the kind of roles I love to take, if I read a script I often want to play the male's role because that is the strong, committed role, so I'm always going to be drawn to that.

"People loved Line Of Duty so if there are any comparisons, it might not be a bad thing."

Mercurio agreed: "We're very proud of our collaboration on Line Of Duty and obviously thrilled at the way that series has connected with such a large audience, but I think the audience will realise this is a very different piece of work.

Jed Mercurio worked on both dramas. (Getty Images)
Jed Mercurio worked on both dramas. (Getty Images)

"It's great if people come to it because they love Vicky from Line Of Duty and they want to see her in this, so that would be lovely if it gives the show more attention."

Line Of Duty is known for its traditional approach of airing in weekly episodes rather than being made available all at once top stream and Mercurio spoke about how important he felt it was to still make "appointment to view" TV.

Read more: Vicky McClure to star as grieving mother in new ITV thriller

He said: "It's about serving the audience, there's still a big section of the audience who love the experience of appointment to view TV.

Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester play bomb disposal operatives known as ‘Expos’ in ITV’s six-part thriller series Trigger Point (ITV)
Vicky McClure and Adrian Lester play bomb disposal operatives known as ‘Expos’ in ITV’s six-part thriller series Trigger Point (ITV)

"If something becomes a talking point and people have lots of theories about what's going to happen next and who's behind some particular mystery, elements that we do have in Trigger Point, I think it all adds to the shared experience of television viewing.

"Obviously the trend is away from that...But every now and then we see how refreshing people find it when they are able to join in the experience of talking about TV that other people have seen. It's almost like we're turning the clock back to an earlier age of television and there are still plenty of people who really appreciate that."

Trigger Point will air on ITV in 2022.

Watch: Vicky McClure and Martin Compston to get AC-12 tattoos after Line Of Duty finale