Rupert Penry-Jones (Spooks) returns to BBC One next month as Clive Reader in the second series of legal drama Silk, following the lives, loves and hard cases facing barristers on the front line of criminal law.

Written by Bafta award-winning writer Peter Moffat (Criminal Justice), the six new episodes will see Series 1 regulars Maxine Peake, Rupert Penry-Jones and Neil Stuke all return to their roles, with Frances Barber, Phil Davis, Indira Varma and Shaun Evans joining the cast.

> Order the Series 2 DVD on Amazon.

What attracted you to Silk?

“It’s about normal people dealing with exceptional situations. The dilemma of a barrister who is defending someone who is guilty or who’s prosecuting someone who might be innocent is always going to be interesting. You get everyday people doing their jobs, working with people who are murderers, you know, shaking hands with a murderer.

“The show can feature anyone from every walk of life, in any job. It’s like a police show in that respect – there are so many different characters and stories you can draw from and I love that aspect.”

Do we see Clive struggle with any moral dilemmas this series?

“I don’t think so actually. It’s Martha that seems to have these sort of moral dilemmas really. I don’t think Clive really worries about the morals – his job is to do the best thing for his client. He’s had an argument with Martha about that before – you can’t just get emotionally invested with cases, you just have to do the best you can, do the best for your client and move on. Martha suffers from getting emotionally involved I think.”

Are there any tricky cases in store for him?

“Well, this series has a case where Clive can’t get the defendant to talk to him – she’s Muslim and he’s a man, so she can’t look him in the eye. She won’t answer his questions, and he doesn’t know how to get round it. The woman ends up having a real impact on him.”

What is the relationship like this series between Clive and Martha?

“Martha losing the baby has definitely affected them and their relationship. They’re still really close. They confide in each other and I think Clive will always confide in Martha before anybody else, but at the moment Martha is more of a friend or sister.

“They stand up for each other and they still like being with each other. But who knows, they might have another night together one day…Clive definitely still holds a torch for her!”

What’s it been like working on the Silk set second time round?

“It’s great! This series is better than the last purely because everyone has settled down and everyone knows what’s what. The fans have been really positive too – they seem to really like the character and see me do something a bit different. We also have a laugh on set so I’ve really enjoyed it.

“There have been a few tricks played, but it’s not like we’re playing tricks on each other all the time as we’ve not got time to muck about. It’s a very good cast in terms of everybody getting on. That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come back. Plus I love the character of Clive, so I really was delighted to be back.”

Does Clive have any new romantic interests this series?

“Well there is a new character George Duggan, played by Indira Varma, who is a solicitor. Clive likes her from the start – but how badly? He definitely wants to get into this girl’s bed…but at the same time he also has his job to do, so you don’t know quite know where it’s going at first.”

Do you think Clive is a good lawyer?

“I think Clive is a good lawyer yes – I think he is as good a lawyer as Martha. He’s got just as good a chance as Martha of getting a result, and being a defence lawyer’s a bloody hard job. Everyone’s innocent until proven guilty, that’s the way it works in this country, and that’s the way Clive works. Clive wants results, and he wants to become a QC.”

> Buy the Series 1 DVD on Amazon.

Watch the Series 1 trailer…