MAIMIE McCOY is currently starring in ITV drama Van Der Valk, alongside Marc Warren. We recently caught up with Maimie, best known for her role in BBC’s Musketeers, to find out what we can expect from ITV primetime drama Van Der Valk, a remake of the 1970s hit show.
AC: What can audiences expect from Van Der Valk?
MAIMIE McCOY – You can expect a dynamic and cinematic new detective show with compelling plots, all set against the fabulous backdrop of Amsterdam.
AC: Can you give us any teasers about what is in store for your character?
MAIMIE McCOY – Lucienne is not shy about coming forward and always puts herself at the forefront of the action which has potentially life-threatening consequences in the first episode. We glean a little more of her private life through the series, although she maintains a fair amount of privacy with regards to her personal life, which is much more complicated and much less successful than her professional life.
AC: Do you have a favourite line of dialogue from the series?
MAIMIE McCOY – There’s a moment in episode three that Chris Murray (our writer) added after a suggestion from me. I won’t spoil it but it was a nod to one of my favourite films, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves!
AC: Can you recall any funny moments from on-set filming?
MAIMIE McCOY – Having a rat run over me at 2am one morning was interesting and slightly unexpected! Forgetting to apply my tattoos one morning was also quite funny, especially realising the makeup bus had already moved onto the next location!
AC: How can you tell when you’re reading a great script?
MAIMIE McCOY – You get lost in it. You can’t put it down. You don’t want it to end. Hopefully, you have at least one scene which you feel utterly compelled to play.
AC: As an actor, what are you still trying to learn?
MAIMIE McCOY – Boldness and bravery. Constantly. As someone who is naturally very shy and quiet, finding my voice on-set and throwing ideas in the ring is something I’m still very much trying to develop.
AC: When did you begin to see acting as a potential career avenue?
MAIMIE McCOY – I’m not sure when that thought took place. I wanted to be a dancer and I studied both dance and drama on my degree course. I just knew that I loved performing and there seemed no other options. I simply followed my heart and my hobbies.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
MAIMIE McCOY – I’m a little conflicted about it. Having grown up without it, I still have a foot in the old world. It’s brilliant for promoting a piece of work. I did the most wonderful short film two years ago called Early Days, and without social media, we wouldn’t have been able to crowdfund it and subsequently promote it. Social media connected us to communities we hoped to reach and gave the film a life it wouldn’t have had without it. But I also know on a personal level it can be addictive and can rot your brain and exacerbates a feeling of comparison which I find really toxic. Everyone’s a critic now and so the negative and very vocal noise coming from social media I don’t find welcome.
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
MAIMIE McCOY – I am finding it very hard to know what the world will look like at the end of the summer, so I guess the short answer is – I don’t know! But I think that what is happening right now in the world should have a profound effect on the future. I hope we all start looking outwards, and more towards each other and the world instead of focusing just on ourselves. I think we desperately needed a change of pace, so I hope this shift finds its way to continue in our lives.
AC: Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
MAIMIE McCOY – I must be the only person than not to have one! I don’t use many. Call me old fashioned, but we probably have enough right now!
AC: If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
MAIMIE McCOY – Be present. Be open. Be kind. Have A DISCO kitchen every night!
AC: In front of the camera. what is a fear you’d like to conquer?
MAIMIE McCOY – I’d like to be fully in my voice. My shyness usually gets in the way!
AC: What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
MAIMIE McCOY – I have a glorious supporting part in the new All Creatures Great and Small out later in the year on Channel 5. I can’t wait to see it, having had such a happy experience (albeit a cold and wet one) up in Harrogate and the Yorkshire dales at the tail end of last year. The Christmas special will be a total treat!
AC: Aside from your upcoming projects, is there one thing you’re particularly excited about for the future?
MAIMIE McCOY – Hugs! Seeing what happens to the lettuce I planted. Drinking a proper flat white, as I bought a rubbish milk frother! That’s three things, but I think that might be allowed given the circumstances!
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMELIA TROUBRIDGE
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
