This time last year, no one in the world would have imagined that they’d go weak at the knees for a misogynist serial killer. But that was before The Fall had aired on BBC2. After the end credits started rolling on episode one, we had fallen hard for the show’s anti-hero – the quietly murderous and creepy Paul Spector (Jamie Dornan). Not only that, but we’d also developed a HUGE crush on the ballsy, no-nonsense DSI Stella Gibson (Gillian Anderson), who was an equally enigmatic character, albeit a law-abiding one. And we weren’t the only ones. In fact, the show’s popularity is so far-reaching that when heat was invited to a set visit in Northern Ireland, there was also a gaggle of journalists from around the world – all dying to lay their eyes on telly crime’s most engaging characters. And – after we were taken around a decommissioned army barracks, where we got to gawp at the forensic laboratory and interrogation rooms built specially for the series – we got our chance.
The Fall is back on our screens tonight at 9pm on BBC2, so don't bother going out on Thursday nights from now until Christmas, basically. Here’s what Jamie and Gillian told us to expect from the second series when we SAW THEIR ACTUAL FACES IN REAL LIFE...
JAMIE DORNAN
How does it feel that you’ve pretty much single-handedly made serial killers sexy?
I’m not sure I entirely agree – I defy anyone to watch interviews with [US serial killer] Ted Bundy and not be taken by him. He’s very handsome and charming, and extremely intelligent. I’m not saying that I think he’s sexy, but there’s definitely an allure there. [Laughs.]
Did you find it easier jumping into character this time?
I think all the cast and crew did. We’ve done this before and there’s an ease that comes with having the first series under our belts. There’s something comfortable about going at it again. Spector is also a loving dad.
How important is that to you?
It’s not conventional love – it’s a higher psychopath love. I thought it was necessary to tell that side of him and let the audience believe all of that stuff they see of him at home. I thought if I could make it as real as possible, then we’d get the audience on his side a bit.
What’s your inspiration?
I’ve read a lot of horrific books over the last few years. I’ve also spent time watching stuff on guys who’ve done similar things to Spector, and trying to amass some kind of understanding of why they are like it.
Has Spector learned any lessons?
No, I think it’s funny. These guys, and Spector included, have so much confidence and self-belief that what they’re doing is the right thing. Sometimes the episodes get pretty intense.
Were there any scenes that you found difficult to film?
Any scene where you’re straddling an actress with tights around her neck and a very mean-looking face doesn’t make for an easy day in the office. And there were plenty of those sort of scenes in the first series.
We can imagine it isn’t easy! Did you ever dream about it?
Yeah, that did happen occasionally. They weren’t altogether pleasant dreams.
Your life has changed quite dramatically in the past year. How are you finding that?
I guess I’m just happy to be working. In fact, I haven’t had a break from work for a year, so I guess I haven’t been exposed to whatever that is as much as you’d think. You’re so protected when you’re working.
GILLIAN ANDERSON
You’ve said the role of Stella changed you. In what way?
Just in terms of how I feel as a female in the world. There’s a level of self-respect and maturity – she takes care of herself in the small ways. During the first series, I started to pay more attention to that and honour myself as a woman more than I’d ever done.
Will we see Stella getting more emotionally involved?
Yes, definitely. She obviously reins it in, but I think in the second series she starts to be affected on other levels.
Where does series two pick up from?
[Spector’s] last victim has woken up at the end of the first series, so we’re going to be talking to her and seeing if she remembers anything.
So it’s a hunt this time?
It does feel like a hunt. There are more characters as well.
What do you like about Stella?
I feel like I’m constantly learning about her and feel like she responds to situations in a very different way to me. I think I find her more interesting than I find myself.
She’s quite predatory – like when she selects someone to have casual sex with. Do you agree with that?
It seems that way. She makes it make sense for her in her world and with her belief systems.
How has it been going back to working on a serial drama?
It has been a dream. Dream job, dream group of people. Everything about it is a gift.
** You wore a lot of blouses in the first series. How do you feel that you’ve made them must-have items?**
That’s down to Maggie Donnelly, our costumier. She has an exceptional eye and she knows Stella really, really well. I was trying to convince Stella McCartney to do a line of Stella blouses. I don’t think she understood…
Is it quite hard to unwind after filming The Fall?
Yes and no. I don’t really unwind during the day. I have a tendency to stay quite focused. And I’ve got my rituals. I don’t leave my hotel room. I either go to my room or I’m here [on set].
Do you know if there are plans for a third series?
Yes, I think there will be a third.
WOO HOO.
The Fall is on BBC2 tonight at 9pm