If, like us, you’re one of the many people who think there’s nothing better than a Nicola Walker drama, this article is for you. Chances are, you’ve probably already binged the likes of Unforgotten and Last Tango in Halifax, but not every brilliant series of hers has got the fanfare it deserves, which is why we’re here to tell you about the "other" ones.
From a lesser-known detective drama that’s better than Unforgotten (in our opinion!) to a spy thriller that gives Slow Horses a run for its money, we’ve unearthed the hidden gems that warrant your attention. And the one thing we can guarantee? A standout performance from Nicola. So, remotes at the ready for the 7 "underappreciated" Nicola Walker dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.
Spooks
This exceptionally good series, which first arrived on our screens more than two decades ago, lets us into the inside secrets of ‘Section B’ – the counter-terrorism department of MI5. Headed up by Senior Case Officer Tom Quinn (Matthew Macfadyen), over the course of 10 series, the agents face everything from terrorist plots to arms smuggling – and things are almost as complicated within the team as they are outside of it. Nicola enters the show in series 2, playing quiet but brilliant intelligence analyst Ruth Evershed and she’s as fantastic as you’d hope. Spooks is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Annika
While Annika hasn’t received quite as much praise as Nicola’s other shows, it’s zero reflection on how good it is. Here’s how the story goes: DI Annika Strandhed (played by Nicola) heads up a new specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) which requires her to investigate the mind-boggling murders that wash up in Scotland’s waterways. The best part is that along the way, Annika breaks the fourth wall, sharing her wry and humorous observations. It’s compelling, witty and a bit like Unforgotten but better. Annika is available to watch now on Netflix.
Heading Out
Nicola proves she’s the friend we’d all want in Heading Out. The six-part sitcom, which first aired on the BBC in 2013, introduces us to Sara (Sue Perkins), a highly skilled and popular vet who’s too scared to tell her parents she’s gay. On the evening of her 40th birthday, however, her friends Jamie (Dominic Coleman) and Justine (Nicola) give her an ultimatum: either Sara tells her parents when they come to visit in six weeks’ time – or they’ll do it for her. It turns out they’ve also saved up to buy a series of sessions with Toria (Joanna Scanlan), an eccentric and mildly qualified life coach. Heading Out is available to watch now on Prime Video.
Inside No. 9
While this popular anthology drama has spawned a whopping 9 series, there’s one heartbreaking – and highly underrated - episode in particular that outshines them all and that’s Nicola’s. Titled ‘To Have and to Hold’, the 30-minute episode takes us into the world of photographer, Adrian (Steve Pemberton), and his wife, Harriet (Nicola), who have a marriage which is struggling. But it’s far from your typical story about a failing relationship as Adrian is sitting on an extremely dark secret, which is about to be exposed… Inside No. 9 is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Prisoners’ Wives
This brilliant BBC drama takes us into the lives of a group of women who each have loved ones behind bars. Among the women are Gemma (Emma Rigby), Francesca (Polly Walker) and Harriet (Pippa Haywood), who are all regular visitors to a Sheffield prison. With their relatives remaining there for the foreseeable, we follow their individual stories, including the bonds they form and all the emotions that come with being the mother, wife, girlfriend or child of someone in jail. While Nicola sadly isn’t in every episode, she does make a very valid appearance in series two as DCI Jo Fontaine and the drama is all the better for it. Prisoners’ Wives is available to watch now on Prime Video.
Inside Men
If you love a heist drama, you’ll enjoy Inside Men. Over the course of four highly compelling episodes, we see ordinary security depot workers, John Coniston (Steven Mackintosh), Marcus Preston (Warren Brown) and Chris Gower (Ashley Walters), turn from everyday, diligent men to seemingly ruthless criminals as they plan a multimillion-pound heist. John is married to Kirsty (played by Nicola, pictured above in The Split) and their marriage is very much going through the motions, but her support gives John permission to step outside his comfort zone. Inside Men is available to watch now on Prime Video.
Touching Evil
Ever wondered where Nicola started her illustrious career? You can see for yourself in Touching Evil. The drama, which follows a squad on the Organised & Serial Crime Unit, including Nicola's DI Susan Taylor, aired three brilliant series between 1997 and 1997 – and it’s well worth revisiting. Created by Paul Abbott, we follow Detective Inspector Dave Creegan (played by Robson Green) and his professional partner, Susan, as they deal with all manner of crimes, starting with the terrifying abduction of three children. They also have a serial killer to deal with, among other unsettling criminals. Touching Evil is available to watch now on ITVX.
