Steve Toussaint exclusive interview

by Daniel Falconer | 10 February 2014

Steve Toussaint in Line of Duty / Credit: BBC

He's starred in multi-million dollar films, and some of the biggest shows on the small screen as well as the stage.

Now, Steve Toussaint is to appear in the upcoming second series of BBC's Line of Duty, and we got the chance to chat to him about the show, his role and what to expect.

The first series of Line of Duty was a massive success - going into the second series of the show as a new cast member, how did you feel?

I guess there are always some nerves when you first join any new production, let alone one that has already proved to be such a huge success! They didn’t last though, the crew and cast were very welcoming; that helps!

What can you tell us about the character you're going to play on the show?

OK, I play “Chief Superintendent Ray Mallick”; in this new series, AC-12 are investigating “D.I. Lindsey Denton” (played by the lovely Keeley Hawes), after a routine transportation of a witness goes disastrously and fatally wrong. Mallick is her boss, and from his first appearance, you can tell they dislike each other intensely! He believes that she is ambitious but inept, and, equally important: in a profession that relies heavily on team work, he knows he can’t trust her. Some of this leads him to sanction certain actions against her, which I like to think he’s later ashamed of.

Can you give us any hints about what to expect this series in terms of plot?

I think one of the compelling things about this new series is the way the characters are drawn. You’re kept guessing as to the true motives for their actions. Is Denton innocent, caught up in a conspiracy beyond her control? Or is she a super-manipulator? I think several of the characters show the same types of contradictions, which I think will make the series vital viewing.

How was the chemistry on set when you first started filming with your co-stars?

I think it was pretty good! Generally it helps if you actually get along with your fellow cast members because it makes for a relaxed working environment, and that’s usually when the best work happens. The producers have seen the first episodes and are pleased, so I guess we did a pretty good job.

You've played a whole host of roles in television and film - how do the two industries differ, if at all?

In general, time is the factor. One of the reasons I think television drama has become pre-eminent in recent years is that it’s so much quicker to get a project off the ground! I know film people (my partner included) who spend years of their lives on a single film project only for the whole thing to collapse because of one tiny element being missing.

You also perform live on-stage in theatre shows - how do you find that experience?

I absolutely love the whole theatrical experience! On stage you can feel the concentration and energy coming off of the audience; that’s one of the best feelings in the world. Plus of course, theatre is truly the actor’s medium as opposed to film and TV, once you’re on stage, your destiny is in your own hands!

What would you say are some of your career highlights to-date?

I’ve been lucky enough to have had positive experiences from most of the jobs I’ve been on; but I guess if I had to list a few, I would say being in Rwanda filming “Shooting Dogs”. I got to have great long chats with the legend that is John Hurt; I would have to add “Prince Of Persia” because not only did I get to see Morocco, but also made great friends on that job. In theatre, there was a play called “Ruined” at the Almeida theatre, which told of the plight of women in Congo, which was life-changing. Finally, among many others, I would add a TV show called “The Knock” which was my first regular TV job; it opened a few doors and changed my life.

Do you have any advice to those who may be hoping to go down a career path similar to yours?

Apart from not coming into it for the money! I think the basic thing to remember is that actors act. Sounds simple but what I mean is use every opportunity you get to practice your craft. If that means joining local theatre groups; amateur dramatics (where I started), or even putting on your own productions, the more you practice the better you will become; it’s as simple as that.

Have you got any other projects that you can share some details about?

A production of “A Doll’s House”, which we most recently performed in London’s West End has been invited to perform in New York, so I’ll be going off to do that in a couple of weeks. I also have a project I’ve been trying to find time to write for the last couple of years so I’m determined to find time to complete that. I think that’s enough to be getting on with for now!