Hermione Norris I will spare the great British public the spectacle of me stripping off 

The Spooks and Cold Feet Star has been in hot demand since leaving Cold Feet and with her amazing talents and British Beauty, it is no surprise that she has become one of the UK's hottest property.   

Hermione Norris was shocked to discover that the gentle pass-time of fly-fishing could be such a dangerous sport when she was filming the new series of Kingdom.

The setting on a peaceful riverbank in the picturesque Norfolk countryside was perfect for her lesson, to prepare for a story in which her character takes part in a fly fishing competition.

“It was an idyllic setting. I could almost have imagined myself taking up the sport. I had a very patient man to teach me, and it is a beautiful thing to watch,” says Hermione.

“But then dark clouds rolled in, thunder rumbled and lightening struck, and I had to abandon my fishing rod and waders and run for cover. My teacher told me we could have been electrocuted if we’d carried on fishing.

“I really enjoyed it, though and would seriously think about taking up the sport when I have some time off. I think I would be a fair weather fly-fisher though. I like the idea of sitting on a sunny, peaceful river bank, reading a book, with a picnic. Not huddled under a big umbrella in the cold.”

Fly fishing is just one of an array of ideas Beatrice undertakes in a bid to find something she is good at while coming to terms to being a new mum to baby daughter Petra.

“I think both Beatrice and Peter have been rocked by their brother Simon’s death, and they are coping with it differently, but they need each other in order to cope with it. He probably finds her colourful mishaps comforting and she finds his solidity and kindness comforting.

“Beatrice is really trying hard to find something that she’s good at, something which she could be successful at and prove she can be useful. It is all about Beatrice trying to reclaim her life after the birth of baby Petra.

“Her brother Peter is desperate to discover who the father of her baby is, so that he can take financial responsibility for the welfare of the child. But Beatrice is determined not to reveal his identity and to find ways of caring for Petra herself.”

Hermione spent much of her time in the second series being filmed behind filing cabinets, sofas or overlarge handbags to disguise her own pregnancy. She gave birth to a baby daughter Hero during filming, and returned to work just five weeks later.

“Life on set was so much easier for this series. I didn’t have to pretend not to be pregnant, as I did for Spooks, and at least not as pregnant as I actually was for Kingdom.

“I didn’t realise how mad it was going back to work when Hero was just five weeks old. But it is such a lovely environment to be in, a beautiful part of the country and wonderful people to work with.”

Twin baby girls from Norfolk Aimee and Katie Skipper who live in Swaffham, where Kingdom is filmed, took turns to play the role of Petra.

“They were such sweet little girls. There were some tears and tantrums, but that is only to be expected. They seemed to love being around the set, but were less keen when they were required to go in front of the camera.

“They were quite frightened of Stephen. I think it was because he was so tall. When he came on the set they would run away.”

Hermione abandoned her trademark cool blonde image for a brunette bob, vibrant red lipstick, a wardrobe of seductive outfits to play the role of Beatrice, saucy temptress and skittish step-sister of Peter Kingdom.

“Beatrice will spice up any situation she walks into. She can’t help but make her presence known,” says Hermione.

“It was hugely liberating playing a character who you know you can unlock her, and she can go anywhere. It was just a laugh being actually free, because a lot of the characters I play are quite contained. Beatrice is not contained in way sense or form. If she feels something you know about it, which was just great.”

“She is a fantastic, colourful character; she literally goes across the spectrum from utter depression and despair to euphoria. It is good to play mad. ”

While Beatrice dared to pose nude for an artist she was intent on seducing in the first series, Hermione says she most definitely keeps her clothes on in this series.

“I will spare the great British public the spectacle of me stripping off.”

Instead Beatrice deploys her seduction skills on the phone by setting up a sex line to earn money for Petra’s school fees. There’s a surprise in store when she recognises the voice of one of her clients – he’s an eminent judge, played by Jack Dee.

The new series also re-unites Hermione with her former Cold Feet co-star John Thomson who becomes a regular character after a guest appearance in the second series.

“It was great to work with John again. You underestimate the shared bond you have with people you have worked in the industry with for a long time,” says Hermione, who is godmother to John’s daughter Olivia.

In fact their friendship extends to their children. Hermione’s son Wilf has a crush on Olivia.

“Wilf thinks Olivia is beautiful and wants to marry her. We will have to see if that will stand the test of time,” Hermione jokes.

Any suggestion of Wilf following in his mum’s footsteps are quickly dismissed.

“Wilf hates the limelight. He loves dressing up as Spiderman, Harry Potter or one of the cast of High School Musical. But put him in front of an audience, and he doesn’t like it one bit. I am quite pleased actually. I would much rather he was a carpenter, or whatever would make him happy.”

After the second series Hermione took a break to spend time with her family.
She is currently filming a new series of Spooks.

Hermione’s other television credits include The Kindness of Strangers, Wire in the Blood.