The creator behind Netflixâs new must watch series has explained why everyone should binge it this weekend.
Increasing drug use is being felt across the country, often with tragic consequences. As part of a top-secret operation, a small team of Customs employees were sent undercover. Their task was to infiltrate Britainâs most dangerous drug gangs and do anything it took to bring them down from the inside.
âTruly brilliantâ Irish period drama âyou wonât regret watchingâ streaming now
His previous credits include Guilt and The Gold. In an exclusive chat with Neil, we asked him just why Netflix viewers will need to binge watch this new release among the usual sea of options.
He simply explained that it is a âgreat British storyâ about ordinary people doing extraordinary things that will amaze viewers. He further explained: âI think (the story) deserves to be told and I think weâve hopefully told it well.
âYou can worry as a writer about themes and shining lights on areas of society, all that stuff, and itâs important and I wouldnât belittle that, and I tried to incorporate that all in my work, but everything needs to be attached to a great story if youâre really going to make an impact. And I think thatâs what we concentrated on and we all worked extremely hard on it.â
He is joined by Ghosts and Call The Midwifeâs Charlotte Ritchie, along with The Night Managerâs Hayley Squires and Victoriaâs Tom Hughes.
But one of the most recognisable faces is undoubtedly Steve Coogan. Known for Alan Partridge as well as The Trip, Philomena and Saipan, Coogan plays the role of Don. His character is responsible for putting together the new team of Legends.
âI thought Steve and Dougie (Douglas Hodge)Â as the bosses were lovely double act and then Tom and Julie as the Legends but then I think the criminal cast as well were so good because they all brought a bit of humanity to their parts, even though they were criminal figures.â
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He continued: âBut Steve Coogan, you know, like most blokes of my generation he was a sort of comedy icon for me growing up, but I just thought that he could be a really good fit for Don. I think it gave Steve an opportunity to play a very natural role, you know, itâs his accent, his hair. He is playing a character the same age as him from the same part of the world.
âThat Northern dryness and drollness. He was really brilliant. It was funny with Steve on set, we were like, âWe canât ask him about Partridgeâ. Within an hour weâre all talking Partridge, but he was very patient.
âHe was very generous and we would need to remind him what the dialogue was and then heâd switch into Partridge and you were overjoyed. Iâve always been a long admirer of his performance in Philomena but I think this is perhaps Steveâs best television performance in a dramatic role. Iâm just really pleased with with all the cast. I think weâre very lucky.â
Legends is streaming on Netflix from May 7.


