Interview with Nathan Welsh (DS Jake Hunter)

How is it being back playing Jake?

I’ve loved being back playing Jake. I knew as soon as I read the script for season 1 that I was going to love playing this role and it’s been really nice to explore him further in season 2. 

Can you tell us how you feel Jake's character has developed this series?  Give us a little about where we find him as the first episode lands...

I think in this season we find a slightly more settled version of Jake. He’s much more confident and comfortable in his abilities as a detective. 

In series 1 Jake had definite reservations about Patience joining the team. How are things between them now?

Jake and Patience have reached a really nice place in their relationship. His reservations toward her abilities are gone. He trusts her now and isn’t as cautious about how the work could negatively affect her. There’s a nice synergy between them. Kind of a big brother little sister dynamic. 

Tonally how would you describe season 2 of Patience?  Do you think it feels different to S1?

I think tonally the series has stepped up a notch in terms of the human aspect of the show. We get to see a lot more of the characters as people. With regard to the cases, it feels like there is a real personal motive to what occurs in each episode. 

What can viewers look forward to?

I think the viewers can look forward to a lot more action, twisted mystery and personal discovery. Along with some conflict. 

How has it been being back with the rest of the cast?

It’s been wonderful being back with the cast. We’re all best mates on set. We have a lot of fun and trust each other a lot. The injection of Jessica has been great too. She slotted right in straight away. Everyone’s brilliant and it’s an honour to be able to work with such an excellent team of actors. 

How does Jake react to the arrival of Frankie and how do they get along?

Jake’s definitely a little jarred by Frankie’s arrival. She’s an interesting character and often goes against the grain in the way she investigates the cases, which Jake, being the pragmatic type, doesn’t always find easy to get on board with. But I think he’s a little fascinated by her and sees that she’s good at what she does. Although at times her treatment of patience doesn’t quite sit well with him.