New Tricks’ star Tamzin Outhwaite reveals it’s been difficult to put the long-running detective drama to bed, but the final ever episode ‘shows the best elements of UCOS – trust, loyalty and just the right amount of disobedience!’
She chatted to What’s on TV about the finale…
What can viewers expect from the last ever episode of New Tricks?
"Sasha’s struggling with her conscience – she’s tempted by a job offer, she’s gutted her three colleagues Ted, Steve and Danny are suspended and have a dark shadow cast over them, and she’s trying to work on the case of a political activist stabbed to death outside a mental health community care centre. She’s forced to work the case alone, though the boys try to help as much as they can without getting caught!"
What makes it a fitting final story?
"It shows the best elements of UCOS – trust, loyalty and just the right amount of disobedience! The whole gang pull together in the face of authority for the greater good. There are some really touching moments where they each reveal what working for UCOS has meant to them."
What else is special about this big goodbye?
"We have longest-serving cast member Anthony Calf, who plays UCOS boss, Robert Strickland, involved in the final case. And Meera Syal takes a step away from comedy to play a very snippy baroness into some dodgy dealings! Also the stakes are pretty high as far as whether UCOS will carry on and who will leave. The power shifts continuously."
Do you think fans will enjoy it?
"Yes, I think they will. It’s difficult to finish a series like this, especially when you’re not the original cast. In my head I think a lot of fans would love to have seen the old cast come back but it’s not possible, we’re the new team now. But the fans have been incredibly supportive. We’re all so touched by the positive comments that have come in.
"I think they appreciated that the final storyline for Dennis Waterman was really strong and respectful of the character. And when Larry Lamb joined people really seemed to enjoy the chemistry of the new team. The viewing figures were consistently good every week – the most popular show in its slot every Tuesday - and we’re proud to have given them a final series that they’ve loved."
What was the mood behind the scenes, knowing this was the final episode ever?
"We were all very aware it’s the end of an era. There was definitely a sense of occasion in filming this last ever episode. I can’t reveal too much, but our last ever scenes are in a fantastic location in the middle of London with lots of classic UCOS humour! It’s definitely going out on a high."
Would you like to see a spin-off show for your character?
"I'm so busy right now, I can't even think about that but... never say never! I know Tracy-Ann Oberman would love to write one about the two UCOS women fighting crime on the streets of London so watch this space…"
What will you miss most about working on New Tricks?
"My boys, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Denis Lawson and Larry Lamb. I’ll also miss chatting to the girls in make-up department and finishing the boys’ leftovers at lunch. The catering on New Tricks is the best catering I’ve ever tasted! But I’m looking forward to having some time off to spend time with my daughters and, after 20 years of working solidly, taking the gap year I never had!"
Say farewell to New Tricks on Tuesday, October 6 at 9pm on BBC1
