What can audiences expect from the second series of Patience? YorkMix sat down with the cast to find out.
Filming for series two of Patience, the hit Channel 4 crime drama set in York, continues this week inside the iconic York Minster.
It began on Wednesday (18 June) and has already shot scenes outside the cathedral and other locations like Precentor’s Court and Dean’s Park.
Filming is expected to take place in York for around 10 days.
The show follows Patience, played by Ella Maisy Purvis – a young woman with autism who is navigating her role within the criminal records department of the City of York Police.
Soon her ability to spot crime patterns means she is a essential part of the detective team solving a series of improbable deaths across York.
YorkMix sat down with returning cast members Ella Maisy Purvis (Patience), Nathan Welsh (Jake Hunter), Mark Benton (Calvin Baxter) and Ali Ariaie (Will Akbari), and new face for series two Jessica Hynes (Frankie Monroe) – to find out more about what to expect from the new series of Patience and what they love about being back in York.
“York is a really beautiful place to be,” said Nathan Welsh (Jake Hunter). “It looks slightly different to last year, because last year it rained so much!”
“I think the show has a different feel this time,” added Ella Maisy Purvis, who stars as Patience. “The weather just suits it.
“There’s a lot more energy and interesting dynamics this season. It’s a bit like a tiramisu – in Italian, tiramisu means to liven up.”
“Obviously – spoiler alert – most of the show is shot in Belgium,” said Mark Benton (Calvin Baxter). “So it’s like a treat for a couple of weeks to get to film in the Minster.”
“When you come back for a second series, obviously we all get on really well and it’s really comfortable,” he continued. “We’ve got Jess (Jessica Hynes) coming in which is new energy into it. It changes the dynamic which is really nice.”
“It feels like new again,” Nathan added.
Jessica Hynes is a BAFTA-winning actor, well-known for her roles in numerous dramas, including The Royle Family and There She Goes. She will play new character DI Frankie Monroe.
“DI Frankie Monroe is quite direct and forthright and strong,” said Jessica. “She doesn’t know this gang so she’s figuring them out, they’re figuring her out.
“She wants to do the job by the book, which is why, initially, she’s not sure about Patience, because having somebody from the criminal records office join them on criminal cases is definitely not by the book.”
Joining the cast for the new series has been “so fun,” Jessica said.
“It’s been an absolute privilege so far to work with all of the actors who are coming in,” added Jessica. “The standard of actors has been absolutely top notch – incredible actors and incredible performances.”
Jessica worked in York 30 years ago in a production of Blithe Spirit at York Theatre Royal. “I had my first taste of ginger parkin!
“York definitely feels like it’s had a glow up since then, it’s beautiful.”
Some of the cast’s favourite places to relax in York are by the river and walking along the walls. “To have a river that’s so healthy and so used, it’s stunning,” said Jessica.
“I ran along the walls and that was really amazing because you can look down on all the houses that are dotted around it, and you can tell they’re from hundreds of years ago,” said Nathan.
The cast also visited the Sora Sky Bar at Malmaison. “You can see the whole of the city.”
Ali Ariaie (Will Akbari), also tried the infamous Guy Fawkes sandwich from Shambles Kitchen. “It had a sparkler in it! It was so good.”
The filming that took place at York Minster today (Friday) will feature in episode two. Though, of course, not much can be given away at this point, Jessica teased that it’s “centred around music – it’s a really clever plot twist.”
The crew even relocated the Minster’s organ to the centre of the iconic building for the purpose of the episode.
Ella also revealed that this series is “a lot more personal. For Patience, there’s a lot of personal things she learns about.”
“Romance!” Jessica added.
“There’s lots of things that happen this series that change things,” said Mark.
Patience will continue to film in York. A release date for the second series has yet to be announced, but it is expected to air on Channel 4 next year.