Charlotte Spencer On The Gold Series 2

By Olivia Emily

17 seconds ago

Kicking off tonight at 9pm on BBC One


The Gold is back for its much-anticipated second series, returning us to the high-stakes investigation into the real Brink’s-Mat robbery. And back on the case is DI Nicki Jennings, played by Charlotte Spencer. We sat down with Charlotte to hear all about it.

Interview: Charlotte Spencer On The Gold Series 2

Hi Charlotte, how’s life going at the moment? 

Life’s really good at the moment, thanks! I’m living in my little 1600s cottage in Hertfordshire which I renovated with my dad. And I recently got engaged, so life’s good.

You’re back for series 2 of The Gold – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show? 

Most people know the Brink’s-Matt case but they only know half the story. We left off on series one with the police realising there’s half the money missing and series two is about chasing down the other half.

What can fans expect from this second series? 

I think the audience will be surprised how big this got. It started in Britain, but now it goes global!

You play Nicki Jennings – how would you describe her? 

I have a strange habit of comparing the characters I play to animals! I describe Nicki as a rottweiler. She’s fiercely loyal to Boyce and her team and it takes some time to win her trust, but the thing I love about her the most is her will to good.

Nicki Jennings (CHARLOTTE SPENCER) & Tony Lundy (STEPHEN CAMPBELL MOORE) in The Gold series 2

Nicki Jennings (CHARLOTTE SPENCER) & Tony Lundy (STEPHEN CAMPBELL MOORE) in The Gold series 2. (© BBC/Tannadice Pictures/Des Willie)

Anything you do to get into character?

Yes! I have a playlist for every character that I play. It helps me get into their world. ‘Under Pressure’ by David Bowie and Queen were my main go-tos for Jennings.

What was it like returning to the role? 

It’s a lovely feeling to reprise a role. You know who you are by then and things feel a bit more comfortable.

Anything in series 2 you’re particularly excited for fans to see? 

There are some amazing new characters in this season. Josh McGuire is a stand-out out for me. I think people are going to love his performance.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming? 

There are some great scenes coming up but I can’t give too much away so you’ll have to keep watching!

Who was your favourite person to work with on set? 

It was honestly such a great bunch of people and I felt so lucky to work with them all. But obviously, I love Emun (Elliott) and Hugh (Bonneville). We’re the three musketeers!

Do you think a third series might be on the cards? 

No, it was only ever going to be a two series thing. The story wraps up nicely.

What has been your favourite project to date? 

I truly have so many! You learn so much from each job that you do, but The Gold was definitely up there.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!) 

Yes! I’m currently filming something called Apollo Has Fallen (season two of Paris Has Fallen) but that’s all I can reveal for now.

Charlotte Spencer

(© Matt Smith Photography)

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past? 

Again, there are so many, but to work with Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren were a dream come true.

Which co-star did you learn the most from? 

I learnt a lot from Anne Reid (Lady Denham in Sanditon) her knowledge, humour and outlook on life are wonderful.

What’s your dream role? 

I have many! I’d love to be in a western and I’d also love to play Boudicca, the original Essex girl!

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of? 

Comedy. I’ve done a small bit but would love to do more.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with? 

Oh my goodness, Baz Luhrman! I used to watch Moulin Rouge over and over again when I was a teenager. I think the worlds he creates are mesmerising.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives? 

As an actress, you have to learn who you are without the work because the work is never guaranteed. So I teach and volunteer when I’m not acting which is wonderful. And gardening. My garden brings me joy!

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be? 

Do not compare yourself to anyone else. You’re on your own path. Sometimes you’re ahead and sometimes you’re behind and that’s OK.

How can we all live a little bit better? 

Get off social media! I promise you, it’s the best decision you’ll make. You’ll suddenly find time for things you love again.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I’m getting married next year! So lots of wedding planning happening at the moment.

Charlotte Spencer

(© Matt Smith Photography)

Charlotte Spencer Recommends…

I’m currently watching… Schitt’s Creek

What I’m reading… The Mermaid by Christina Henry

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Severance

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Twits

Favourite film of all time… Moulin Rouge and Beauty and the Beast

Favourite song of all time… ‘Beautiful Crazy’ by Luke Combs

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Lana del Rey

My ultimate cultural recommendation… I’ve said this before, but I love the Henry Moore Foundation. It’s such a joy to visit.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Mountfitchet Castle! It’s a great day out especially if you have children. Very historical and fun for them.

WATCH

Charlotte Spencer returns as Nicki in The Gold series 2, tonight at 9pm on BBC One. Catch up on iPlayer.