Interview with Claire Mundell -Executive Producer

What is Careless?

Careless is a glossy, provocative thriller starring Solly McLeod, Robyn Malcolm, Richard Roxburgh and Katie Leung. Made for Stan and Channel 4, it's a compelling domestic thriller that delivers all the suspense, tension and twists audiences expect, while also exploring the challenges surrounding the institutional care of young people.

The story follows Robbie, a young man who arrives in Sydney to become a live-in carer for the Garton family. At first, he appears to be the perfect employee – thoughtful, capable and exactly what the family needs. However, as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Robbie is not who he appears to be, and that he's arrived with a hidden agenda that drives the mystery at the heart of the story.

What themes does Careless address?

The series explores themes of redemption, forgiveness and rehabilitation, all of which are woven into the DNA of the story. It asks difficult questions about how society responds to children who commit serious crimes before they're old enough to fully understand the consequences of their actions, and how we care for young people who have experienced profound trauma.

While Careless initially presents itself as a gripping psychological thriller, it gradually reveals the emotional truth behind Robbie's past. As the audience uncovers what happened to him and the lasting impact it has had on his life, the series becomes an exploration of trauma, compassion and the possibility of redemption.

Ultimately, it's a nuanced story that examines whether we truly provide vulnerable young people with the support they need, while offering hope that it's possible to confront your past, find forgiveness and move forward.

Where is the show filmed and how do the locations contrast?

Careless is set between Sydney and Glasgow, with the contrast between the two cities playing an important role in the storytelling.

In Sydney, the Garton family live in a stunning waterfront home, reflecting their wealth and privilege. The bright sunshine, open spaces and striking modern architecture create an idyllic backdrop that feels especially exotic for UK audiences.

By contrast, Robbie's backstory unfolds in Glasgow, where we filmed across a number of distinctive locations, including the West End, The Pyramid and the Maryhill Canal. Shot during the Scottish winter, Glasgow offers a much darker, moodier atmosphere, with shorter days and softer natural light.

The visual contrast between Sydney's warmth and Glasgow's colder, more intimate environment mirrors the emotional journey of the series and reinforces the divide between Robbie's present and his past.

Who are the lead cast in Careless?

Solly McLeod leads the series as Robbie, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have him. He's a remarkable young Scottish actor whose career is on an exciting trajectory, and he brings extraordinary depth, vulnerability and complexity to a character who constantly challenges the audience's sympathies. Robbie could easily have become a one-dimensional figure in the wrong hands, but Solly delivers a nuanced, deeply human performance.

Katie Leung plays Sheila, a social worker carrying the weight of a long-held secret. The role requires her to portray the character across different stages of her life while balancing Sheila's compassion, guilt and moral conflict. Katie brings remarkable subtlety to the performance, capturing the emotional complexity of a woman trying to protect those around her while knowing the truth will eventually come to light.

We also have the wonderful Robyn Malcolm and Richard Roxburgh as the Garton family. Robyn is delivering one of the finest performances of her career, while Richard brings enormous presence and warmth to the role. Together, they're the perfect pairing for this story and create a believable, compelling family dynamic.

On the Scottish side of the production, we're delighted to have Alison Peebles playing Morven. Alison is an exceptional actress who brings empathy, intelligence and quiet authority to the role. She perfectly understands the complexities of social work and the difficult relationship between Morven and Sheila, making their scenes together particularly compelling.

We're also thrilled with our young cast. Oscar, who plays young Angus, handles some incredibly challenging material with remarkable maturity, while Millie, who plays young Kath, brings warmth and light to every scene she's in. Both have been an absolute joy to work with.