Nelson-born actor, John Simm, had a royal visit while filming for his new ITV show.
Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, joined the crew and stars on location in West Sussex, including John Simm, who plays the troubled policeman Roy Grace, and Peter James, writer of the detective books now turned into a TV series.
She complimented Richie Campbell’s character, DS Glenn Branson, for being a “snappy dresser” and joked with Simm about whether he had the “sea legs” for the job.
Camilla told Simm: “I was just saying to Peter (James), the programme was just how I imagined the character of Roy Grace. It’s good casting.”
The actor replied: “Oh great, that’s good.”
Clearly a fan of the series, Camilla added: “It’s something to look forward to.” During the visit she also joked about having a cameo in the show.
She then took a seat alongside Simm, James and ITV’s commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones, donning headphones to watch on a large monitor a scene being filmed on the waterfront.
She also caught up with the writer of the detective books, Peter James, which ‘Grace’ is based on.
She told the author: “I love your books. I’ve read them all, cover to cover. So I will know what vaguely is going on,” when he greeted her at the set in Shoreham-by-Sea.
The series is one of the latest recommendations of her successful online book club the Reading Room.
Lights, camera, action! 🎬
— The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) November 4, 2021
Today, The Duchess of Cornwall visited the set of @ITV’s ‘Grace’, an adaptation of the Roy Grace series by @PeterJamesUK, a title recommended by HRH’s Reading Room. pic.twitter.com/R3kzeHHKlC
In the series, Simm plays the role of the troubled but methodical detective, whose missing wife casts a shadow over his already turbulent career.
Speaking afterwards, Simm said shows like Grace would not be a success without quality writing and storylines.
“Without such amazing writing behind it this would be just another generic cop show,” he said.
“But because of the source material – I am also thinking of the Frost books, Morse books – it’s great to have that wealth of material to draw on.
“To read the books and get inside the head of my character has been a wonderful experience. The books are hugely successful, so it’s up to us not mess it up.”
The initial episodes have proved popular and ITV is currently filming series two for broadcast in spring next year.
Social, newsletters, subscriptions and getting in touch...
You can follow the Lancashire Telegraph on social media, by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
We also have dedicated Facebook groups on Crime & Court, Traffic & Travel, Nostalgia and our Lancashire Family page
If you want to make sure you don't miss the most important news stories every day, sign up to one of our free e-mail newsletters
Gain unlimited access to the Lancashire Telegraph website with a premium digital subscription - we are running a £2 for two months special offer
Or if you want the Telegraph newspaper delivered to your door, get in touch with our home delivery team or call us on 0800 953 0227
Finally, have you got a story for us? If so, contact our newsdesk at lancsnews@nqnw.co.uk or by using our online contribution form
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here