GEM of a role

KERRY GODLIMAN on why her seaside sleuth Pearl Nolan is a perfect fit

- ELAINE REILLY

Kerry Godliman’s eyes light up when TV Times reveals that we’ve prepared a long list of questions for her about coastal whodunnit Whitstable Pearl.

‘I love that! I operate in lists, they are one of my favourite things – I once had a BBC Radio 4 show called Kerry’s List. So let’s tick ’em off!’ grins the actor, 50, who has played restaurateur and super-sleuth Pearl Nolan since the show’s launch on Acorn TV in 2021.

The third series, which makes its debut on the streaming service this week, is again inspired by Julie Wassmer’s collection of novels, with the six episodes blending curious cases, glorious guest stars, lovely locations and a winsome ‘will they, won’t they?’ between Pearl and gruff cop DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles).

Here, in an exclusive interview, Kerry shares her thoughts on why, in a sea of crime dramas, the Kent-set mystery has moored a place in people’s hearts…

We’re delighted Whitstable Pearl is back, Kerry! How pleased were you to reprise the role of Pearl?