Precious PEARL

KERRY GODLIMAN on why the world is her oyster playing a seaside sleuth

- ELAINE REILLY

WHITSTABLE PEARL NEW FRIDAY, 9PM, U&DRAMA DRAMA (BOX SET, U)

Blending coastal charm, colourful characters and curious cases with dashes of deadpan humour, Whitstable Pearl struck a chord with cosy-crime-drama fans when it sailed on to our screens in 2021. And for leading lady Kerry Godliman, it's equally as joyous to work on. ‘I love this show,’ smiles the acclaimed actor, 51, as she joins TV Times for an exclusive chat about why her character, Kent restaurateur and amateur sleuth Pearl Nolan, is a gem. ‘It feels like returning to old friends and there's a sweet comfort to it that I really enjoy. People who watch it tell me they love it.’

Following its premiere on streaming service Acorn TV last year, the third outing arrives on free-to-air U&Drama this week. Inspired again by Julie Wassmer's popular collection of novels, the six-part run finds Pearl being pulled in different directions in her personal and professional lives.

Here, Kerry, whose credits also include After Life and Trigger Point, shares clues about what lies ahead...

The third series finds Pearl devoting most of her time to private detective work. What impact does this have on the Whitstable Pearl seafood restaurant she runs with her mum, Dolly Nolan?