New Street Law – second series coming soon to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One
John Thomson plays Charlie Darling
What is Charlie's position within the defence team? Are you anything like him?
Ìý
Charlie provides light relief within the chambers; it'd be a very dull place without him.
Ìý
He's a chancer, but does confide in Jack to get some sound advice. He's very much an instinctive lawyer who, on occasion, does bend the rules. He's a lot more of a maverick than most lawyers would be but often it pays off for him!
Ìý
The difference between him and Jack is that, where Charlie would bend the rules, Jack has nearly broken them.
Ìý
I'm not too much like him but, funnily enough, my solicitor said that I was very good as a lawyer – and if ever I wanted a job, I should give him a call!
Ìý
How would you describe Charlie's relationship with Annie?
Ìý
I think Charlie does love Annie but beneath that love is just a huge crush, which he needs to get over. He's bordering on a mid-life crisis really.
Ìý
Although Annie is getting divorced, she doesn't want to jump from the frying pan into the fire with Charlie.
Ìý
He has a lot in common with her – more so than with his wife, Tessa. He spends a lot more time with her than with Tessa, so it's gone sour at home.
Ìý
While Charlie is career-driven, Tessa's got nothing else to do other than shop – she's like a lady who lunches. It keeps her sweet on a superficial, materialistic level but she's deeply bored and unhappy.
Ìý
With such heavy storylines, do you think it's important to feature the lighter cases that Charlie tends to deal with?
Ìý
With storylines like child abuse, you need a character like Charlie to lighten proceedings. Law can be boring and very serious and I can't imagine chambers without a joker – in fact, I've been told there's a Charlie in every chamber.
Ìý
I like the balance of heavy and light-hearted storylines – one case involves a guy who had his tackle bitten off by a dog!
Ìý
It'd be annoying if all the lighter cases were directed at me, though. As an actor, it's nice to have a balance of comedy and serious storylines.
Ìý
Have you ever considered a career in law?
Ìý
My mum and dad always said I should have been a lawyer when I was a teenager – because I argued so much! But, like Charlie, I know the difference between laziness and effortless brilliance.
Ìý
If I put the effort in, I could write – because I can do it – but I can't be arsed. I've seen actors typing away on their laptops during scenes and there's me with my Playstation ... I brought Space Invaders in but it wasn't just for me, I'm very altruistic, you see!
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