Connor Finch On Bookish Series 2 & Getting Back Into Jack’s Boots

This August, Bookish returns to U&Alibi for a much-anticipated second series. Created by and starring Mark Gatiss, the detective series is set in 1946 London, where eccentric bookshop owner Gabriel Book uses his literary expertise to solve crimes in a richly atmospheric postwar world. Alongside Gatiss, the cast includes Polly Walker, Elliot Levey, Buket Kömür and Blake Harrison.

Connor Finch also returns as Jack, a recently released ex-convict drawn into Book’s inner circle in series 1, with the pair working increasingly closely as the season’s mysteries unfold. Also known for playing Street Baxter in Everything I Know About Love, C&TH sat down with Finch ahead of the new series of Bookish to talk digging into Jack’s family history, filming in Ghent, and why nowhere beats home.

Q&A: Connor Finch On Bookish

Connor Finch: ‘I’ve never had the chance to return to a character before.’ (U&Alibi)

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

Life is good, no complaints my end. Hope you’re all well.

You are about to return for series 2 of Bookish. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

I hope I can do it justice. We’re back, there’s more of what I think people loved in the first series. New and old faces. Lots of crimes to be solved. A romance spark. A trip out of London. I don’t want to give too much away, it’s a detective show after all.

How did it feel when you received the news that the show had been renewed?

It was such a fantastic opportunity. I’ve never had the chance to return to a character before now and I felt I really wanted to give more to Jack’s story. I’ve got a lot of time for Jack, good lad.

What do we have in store for series 2?

From Jack’s perspective, and from where we left off, there’s an opportunity to find out about his family, his dad, Felix, and Book wants the same, so we get to explore more of that story which was so fulfilling from a character’s perspective.

Tell us a bit about Jack and what he has in store this time around.

He’s nice and settled in the bookshop, in the lane, his chosen family and this new life. But there’s still so many unanswered questions about his dad, so we do get to dive deeper into that. He also, finally, gets himself a nice new wardrobe which is a key part of a new story. I’m looking forward to people seeing that!

How do you get into character?

I was really surprised how easy it was to slip on Jack’s hobnail boots and fit back into the character. But there’s still always the returning things for me. Having his flat caps, his lighter and listening to certain songs, certain smells and so on whilst getting ready, it all still helps find the world for me.

What was the dynamic like on set?

It was just the warmest and most family-oriented feeling on set I’ve had. It was incredible how close everyone was, the laughs we had and then when it was time to work, everyone was just so switched on. Couldn’t ask for a better environment.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

There were a few days we filmed in London which for me is always fun and still exciting. Those days always stand out, even if there was a lot of running on my part, you’ll see!

What about favourite filming locations?

One of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever filmed in, we were lucky enough to return to from the first series, is Ghent in Belgium. It’s just one of the most stunning places I’ve ever got to work in.

What are you most excited for viewers to see?

The new faces and stories which I think audiences love but for me, episodes 3 and 4 are great and a personal favourite storyline in the series, so I hope the audience enjoys watching as much as I did filming.

What is your favourite line in the series?

C’mon Missus, you’ve already got me trousers.

Connor Finch: Mark Gatiss is so fantastic to work opposite and even though between takes he is trying to make me laugh. (U&Alibi)

What has been your favourite project to date?

I love Bookish and honestly every project I’ve been a part of. But one of my first jobs, Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love, was just such a dream of a role. Playing a musician living it up in East London in the 2010s was a part I felt made for. I have so much love for that job. It’ll always stand out for me.

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

I’m excited about the next role! Even if that is a very, very vague answer!

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

I’ve been blessed with some of the actors I’ve been able to work with, but with respect to them all, it’s going to take a lot for anyone to beat working with Danny Mays. He was my hero throughout my years at drama school. Whenever I got to do speeches or scenes, I always chose something Danny had done. It was a dream to work with him and now I’m lucky enough to call him a good pal.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

It would have to be Mr Mark Gatiss, of course. He is so fantastic to work opposite and even though between takes he is trying to make me laugh, when it comes to the work, he’s one of the best there is.

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

There’s so many, but I’ll always go back to the genre that made me want to be an actor. The working-class, real old-school proper East London type of projects. The projects you think of when you think of prime Bob Hoskins and Michael Caine, such amazing and inspiring performances for me in this genre, so it’ll always come back to that for me. And a music biopic would be cool!

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

Actor, it’ll always be Gary Oldman. The best of the best, end of. Director, well I would do whatever project he had, Dexter Fletcher. He can do it all. Ain’t nobody better or cooler than Dexter in my books, fingers crossed he’ll give me a bell one of these days!

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I do, which I love. Don’t get me wrong, I love that I get to work away and travel for work. Love a holiday. But nowhere is as ever good as home.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in a small seaside town in Essex. I’ve lived a fair amount of my life in London and I adore London, but being by the seaside all the time – ideal for me.

What’s your interior design style?

It’s certainly changed over the last few years, I have to say. Maybe it leans into a less-is-more approach. Can’t go wrong with Oliver Bonas.

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

It’s tricky sometimes, having emails pop up on your phone and different time zones can mean you’re always on call for work, but I think being aware of that and understanding is important. Enjoying downtime between the work.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Listen to your body, do what’s good for ya and be kind.

Connor Finch: Nowhere is as ever good as home. (Andrew James)

What Connor Finch Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Yellowstone

What I’m reading… Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Tip Toe

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Gotta be Bookish series 2!?

Favourite film of all time… Can’t do one! The Long Good Friday. Nil By Mouth. Sexy Beast.

Favourite song of all time… Again, can’t do just one! ‘Disappear’ by INXS. ‘Cosmic Girl’ by Jamiroquai. ‘When Somebody Loves You Back’ by Teddy Pendergrass.

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Being an Essex boy, I love my Blur. I’ve always wanted to be Damon Albarn, but I do love Michael Hutchence and INXS.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Don’t have the big light on. Just mood lighting.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Lyrics as artwork. It just works. Sorry.

Connor Finch stars in Bookish, returning for series 2 on Wednesday 26 August 2026 on U.