New Law and Order star Georgia Taylor became hooked on courtroom visits researching her part as a top legal eagle.
The former Casualty and Corrie favourite wanted to make sure she seemed at home as barrister Kate Barker by paying several visits to Bristol Crown Court.
“The first time I went I felt quite nervous,” she adds.
“I’d never been to court before for any reason and I felt a bit uncomfortable.
“But by the second and third time I knew exactly what went on.
“I went through security and took a seat in the gallery as though I’d been going for years.
“I closely watched the prosecution barrister and what I liked about him was there was no demonstrating.
“He wasn’t raising his voice, he was just very matter of fact and when people are like that it draws you in.
“I found him really compelling and couldn’t take my eyes off him.
“I can see how people get hooked on going to watch these cases.
“You have to remember that this is real. We could see everything but it felt like I was watching TV!
“I found it really fascinating.”
The new six-part series sees Georgia and Hustle star Paterson Joseph join the regulars including Bradley Walsh and Peter Davison.
“Kate comes from a working class background and is the girl next door,” says Georgia, who won soap awards for playing Toyah Battersby in Corrie for six years.
“She isn’t very well spoken, she didn’t go to private school and she doesn’t use a lot of fancy words.
“She’s accessible, warm and a bit mischievous.”
As well as feeling comfortable though some real-life courtroom visits, getting into the barrister’s robes and wig helped although the wig took a bit of getting used to.
“The first time I tried the wig on was when I had a make-up test and I was horrified,” confides Georgia.
“I just thought, ‘Oh my God!’ It wasn’t so much that I looked terrible I’m not that vain I just felt I looked a bit comedy.
“I wasn’t sure I took myself seriously.
“But I have to say that within a couple of hoursyou become a bit attached to it
“And Kate isn’t the sort of girl to go tottering about in stilettos and short skirts.
“She wears Ugg boots with her suits when she’s not in court.
“I wasn’t a fan before the series I thought they were ridiculous overpriced slippers.
“But after wearing them for a week I thought they were insanely comfortable. My lovely boyfriend bought me a pair for Christmas, so I’m a convert!”
Law And Order UK, ITV, Sunday at 9pm
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