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EXCLUSIVE Q&A: U and U&DRAMA’s – The Cast of Sister Boniface

We chat exclusively with the stars of Sister Boniface Mysteries, Lorna Watson and Jerry Iwu, about the new Christmas special.

UKTV - Sister Boniface Mysteries 2024 Christmas

Get ready, mystery fans! Sister Boniface Mysteries is back, and we’re thrilled to binge-watch the festive fun on December 20th at 8pm. Even better? We’ve been chatting with Lorna Watson—Sister Boniface herself—and Jerry Iwu, aka Felix Livingstone, to uncover all the secrets behind the Christmas special!

Q: What can you tell us about the dynamic on set during the filming of the Cinderella pantomime? and how much fun did you all have filming the Christmas special?

Lorna: It was such a hoot filming the Christmas special. In fact, it was the first thing we shot of series 4. We were all completely giddy to be back on set together again, but even more so surrounded by Christmas trees and baubles; and a turkey called Terry.

There was definitely a sense of fun in the air. It’s hard to avoid when you’re shooting a Christmas special wrapped up in gloves and mitts in the height of summer. I’m not going to lie; it did get a bit sweaty. And I’m not just talking about the nuns… I think the playfulness of panto rubbed off on all of us during the shoot.  Plus, we had director Paul Gibson at the helm who’s something of a panto veteran himself. Oh yes he is!

All in all, I’d say it was the perfect way to kickstart the new series.  

Jerry: It was lovely, a lot of off camera; “she’s behind you” and “Oh no you don’t”. Generally, very wholesome and funny. The Christmas eps are such a great time. It’s always such a magical thing seeing how the set transforms for it, you can’t help but feel festive during it.

How does the introduction of a “celebrity director” in the festive special shake things up for the characters in GSADS? Does this bring out any unexpected side to the characters?

Lorna: The introduction of a celebrity director really throws a spanner in the works. GSADS is fairly dysfunctional at the best of times but the Christmas panto is particularly close to people’s hearts. It’s not long before tensions are running high. Jonas Blake may well be a successful playwright but he’s also an outsider whose creative ideas are not to everyone’s liking. Added to which, it’s never easy putting on a pantomime when a murderer is on the loose.  

Jerry: Initially it’s a shock but everyone is so happy to have a star director on board, feels like the GSAD are onto bigger and better things. I think it takes a turn later though, as the show starts moving away from what a pantomime and the GSADS are really about.

The storyline hints at a dangerous secret kept by Reverend Mother Adrian (Carolyn Pickles). Can you give us a little insight into how this secret might impact the convent—and perhaps Sister Boniface herself?

Lorna: Without giving too much away, let’s just say that us nuns stick together. Kick one of us and we all jump. We really see a different side to RM Adrian in series 4, played so brilliantly by Carolyn Pickles. And a different dimension to her relationship with Sister Boniface too.

All I will say is that sometimes the things that we think are going to tear us apart, actually bring us together. There’s definitely a journey ahead for Reverend Mother Adrian which I really enjoyed watching unfold. I hope the audience will too. 

Jerry: I won’t say too much about this, but… will there be a convent once the secret is out?…

This series includes some unique and quirky incidents, from a rogue bucking bronco to a killer scarecrow. Which of these did you find most funny to film?

Lorna: That’s a toughie. The whole series was full of funny moments. I’ve never entered a scene sliding down a helter-skelter before. That was fun and surprisingly fast. CC Lowsley on bagpipes made me howl. And when the nuns go on a retreat and end up playing football. Think flock of penguins mixed with Benny Hill. 

Jerry: Definitely the killer scarecrow! I got to chase some scarecrows and meet the queen, so I was delighted.

How did you and Max approach learning the polka for the pantomime horse scene? And what was it like to perform?

Jerry: Ah it came naturally I’d say, took about 10 minutes and came back with a show trotting performance 😂

Won’t lie, a little nerve racking in the moment but its once we got into it, we were off to the races 🏇

A huge thank-you to both Lorna and Jerry for talking to us and we can’t wait to watch the special and series!

Sister Boniface Mysteries Christmas Special will air Friday, 20th December at 8pm on U and U&DRAMA

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