FORMER Downton Abbey favourite Brendan Coyle had some dark times as his valet Mr Bates faced the prospect of the noose as a murder suspect.
But there are darker – and scarier – times for Richard in the new BBC 1 psychological thriller, Requiem, which begins this week.
The mother of rising cello star Matilda Gray commits suicide. Then Matilda, played by Lydia Wilson, discovers evidence linking her mum to the disappearance of a Welsh toddler more than 20 years before.
When she visits Wales to investigate she finds long-buried, terrifying secrets.
Brendan is DI Kendrick, the now-retired copper who led the original hunt for the missing girl.
“There is a very strong mystery at the heart of it. It’s genuinely spooky and mystifying,” says Brendan.
“Kendrick is haunted by the disappearance of a child in an old case. He was under duress at the time and faced a power greater than him.
“He still behaves in a way that is haunted.
“Ostensibly we think it’s because he didn’t solve that case, but there is actually more going on.
“We’re never quite sure who anyone is at any particular moment.”
Wild Welsh locations were used in the series, the remoteness adding to the unsettling feel.
“A lot of the spooky elements are conjured up through suggestion,” explains Brendan.
“It’s all about the power of the unseen. We like to be scared. It’s a visceral experience, venturing beyond our comfort zone.
“Stepping into that dangerous territory is a thrill. Requiem is like a classic movie such as The Omen. It preys on our faith.
“This is beautifully done. I watched the first episode in the dark, and I was terrified! I hope we scare the bejesus out of viewers.”
Requiem, BBC1, tonight, 9pm.
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