Martin Freeman explains 'real risk' of taking on BBC's The Responder role

Martin Freeman stars as PC Chris Carson in the BBC series (Image: BBC)

As viewers gear up for the second series of The Responder to air on BBC One, lead actor Martin Freeman, who plays the role of Chris Carson, has revealed he took on a "real risk" with accepting a part in the show. The 52-year-old acts as a police officer in a fictional constabulary covering Liverpool and the part requires the A-lister to put on his best Northern accent.

Speaking about adopting an accent, the Hollywood star told Radio Times: "It was a real risk. Adelayo [Adedayo] and I are pretty much the only non-scousers on the show. The first day when you open your mouth in that voice in that city, you dread people saying, 'What's he doing?'

"But the absolute opposite happened. Locals were very generous," The Hobbit star explained. The first series aired on BBC One back in January , with six episodes airing on the channel.

The very first instalment was watched 6,146,000 times on iPlayer alone during 2022, making it the third most-viewed programme on the platform for that year.

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Following the first episode, viewers were left divided over Martin's portrayal of the Liverpudlian police officer. Fans rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their opinions as the actor received praise from some, while others suggested another actor would have been better suited for the role.

READ MORE: BBC viewers in stitches as presenter walks off screen at start of News at Six

The actor spoke about having to adopt an accent for his role (Image: Getty)

Many were impressed with Sherlock star Martin’s convincing Liverpool accent as one expressed: "Really enjoying The Responder on BBC1. Very gritty so far and Martin Freeman has nailed the Liverpool accent. #TheResponder."

Somebody else agreed: "Gotta give it to Martin Freeman here, got the accent and mannerisms of a scouser down to a T #theresponder."

Despite most viewers enjoying Martin’s performance, several suggested This Is England star Stephen Graham would be a better choice for the role.

"I think #TheResponder was written with Stephen Graham in mind," somebody remarked.

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Martin divided viewers following the first series (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Another echoed: "Martin Freeman is always brilliant but three mins in and this part feels like it has Stephen Graham’s name all over it. #theresponder #responder."

A third asked: "#theresponder Was Stephen Graham not available?"

While a fourth added: "Did they cast Martin Freeman because Stephen Graham was otherwise engaged? #theresponder."

The second series of The Responder airs on Sunday 5 May at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.