Nicola Walker admits her new TV show would 'break' her in real life

On screen, Nicola Walker is, leading the casts of Spooks, Unforgotten, and The Split. But in her latest role as Alice in the Disney Plus comedy Alice & Steve, she's trading in her usual serious demeanor for a more lighthearted take. The show tells the tale of a mother on a mission to end her best friend's budding romance with her 26-year-old daughter, a story that's equal parts awkward and hilarious.

As I watched the show, I couldn't help but wonder what drew Walker to this particular role. And in a recent interview with Metro, she revealed that her own values as a comedian played a significant part in her decision. 'In my flavour of comedy, there has to be a kindness to it,' she explained. 'I don't mind if the comedy is really biting, but there has to be something in it.'

For Walker, comedy is about more than just making people laugh. It's about creating a sense of connection and empathy with the characters on screen. 'I have to care about the characters,' she said. 'There's got to be something to keep me rooting for them.' This approach to comedy is reflected in Alice & Steve, where the characters are multidimensional and relatable, even in their most absurd moments.

But what's most fascinating about Walker's role as Alice is the way it taps into the universal experience of motherhood. As a mother herself, she admits that she would struggle to comprehend a friend doing something that she felt broke the rules of their friendship. 'I'm fortunate enough to have people that I really trust, have been there for me in my life and would again,' she said. 'But if they did something to me that I felt broke all the rules of that friendship, how would I feel? I would go mad.'

For Walker, the bond between friends is a sacred one, built on trust and loyalty. 'They're the keeper of all your secrets, and always in your corner,' she explained. 'So if you felt betrayed by real best friends, I'm not sure how I would come back from that.' This sense of vulnerability and trust is at the heart of Alice & Steve, where the characters are forced to confront their own flaws and imperfections.

• The show is a Disney Plus original comedy series
• It follows the story of a mother who tries to end her best friend's romance with her 26-year-old daughter
• The show stars Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement
• It's a four-star rated show, according to Metro's review

As I watched Alice & Steve, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Walker's willingness to take risks and push herself outside of her comfort zone. By embracing the complexities of motherhood and friendship, she's created a show that's both hilarious and relatable. And in a world where comedy is often about shock value and cheap laughs, Alice & Steve is a breath of fresh air.

The show's success is evidence of Walker's talent and dedication to her craft. And as I watched the final episode, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future of comedy. With shows like Alice & Steve leading the way, maybe we'll see a shift away from cheap laughs and towards more nuanced, character-driven storytelling.

In the end, Walker's decision to take on the role of Alice is a reminder that comedy is about more than just making people laugh. It's about creating a sense of connection and empathy with the characters on screen. And with Alice & Steve, she's done just that.