Sometimes, all we need to see is an actor’s name on a cast list to be sold on our next watch – and Nicola Walker has exactly that power over us. From The Split and Annika to her outstanding latest family saga, Alice and Steve – she dazzles in whatever role she steps into. So, if you’ve already seen her biggest hits, we’ve unearthed 7 brilliant hidden gems that might have passed you by.
From a series that’s like Unforgotten – but darker – to a gripping heist thriller and some exceptional crime picks – we have your next binge-watch sorted. So, get comfy, here’s our pick of Nicola Walker’s most underrated dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.
River
BBC
Like Unforgotten but darker, River is a haunting six-part detective drama starring Detective Inspector John River (Stellan Skarsgård) who is investigating the murder of his close colleague, Detective Sergeant Jackie ‘Stevie’ Stevenson (Nicola Walker). But River continues to speak to Stevie after her death through ghostly apparitions, along with other figures connected to his cases. However, as the investigation progresses, he has to grapple with the unearthing of Stevie’s secrets.…Available to watch now on ITVX.
Inside Men
Jamie McCarthy
How far would you go for a life-changing sum of money? This tense four-part thriller follows four three ordinary workers at a cash depot as they plan a multimillion-pound heist. Nicola Walker plays Kirsty, the wife of John (Steven Mackintosh), the depot manager: and the risky plan is set to risk their already rocky marriage. Available to stream now on Prime Video.
Touching Evil 
ITV/Shutterstock
For some 1990s’ policing nostalgia, Touching Evil follows Detective Inspector Dave Creegan (played by Robson Green) and his professional partner, Detective Inspector Susan Taylor (Nicola Walker), who both work for the Organised & Serial Crime Unit (OSC), a high-speed, high-stress response unit. The duo tackle a slew of chilling crimes, including the abduction of three children and a wily serial killer… Available to watch now on ITVX.
Collateral
Parisa Tag/Netflix
Nicola takes on a very different role in Collateral, playing the Vicar, Jane Oliver, who becomes caught up in the fatal shooting of a pizza delivery man, Abdullah Asif (Sam Otto). But how is she connected? Well, she’s been having an affair with a key witness to the killing. The series follows the next four days, as a huge web of conspiracy is untangled. Available to watch now on Netflix.
A Mother’s Son
BBC
This tense ITV drama follows parents Rosie (Hermione Norris) and Ben (Martin Clunes) who have an idyllic family life with their son, that is until Rosie suspects that her teenage son is responsible for the murder of a local schoolgirl. Investigating the murder are Nicola, who plays D.C. Sue Upton, and Charles Daish as D.C.I Thomas McCleish – but to what lengths will Rosie go to protect her son? Available to watch now on Netflix.
Marriage
BBC
Swap out the crime drama for some domestic crises in this touchingly relatable four-part drama that follows Ian (Sean Bean) and Emma (Nicola Walker) trying to keep their 30-year marriage together. The pair both face big personal struggles. Ian has lost both his mother and his job, while Emma strives for a career change as she cares for her sick father. Following this duo trying to keep it together is both amusing and heartbreaking. Available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Heading Out
BBC
Nicola is hilarious in this six-part BBC sitcom revolving around Sara (Sue Perkins), a highly skilled and popular vet who’s too scared to tell her parents she’s gay. Then, on the night of her 40th birthday, her friends Jamie (Dominic Coleman) and Justine (Nicola Walker) give her an ultimatum. Either Sara tells her parents in six weeks – or they will. Available to stream now on Prime Video.