Nicola Walker is, without question, one of the best acting talents to come out of Britain. While it wasn’t until her 40s that her career really took off, her jam-packed back catalogue includes heaps of brilliant dramas we think you should know about. So, we’ve scrutinised them all to bring you the 7 underrated dramas worth your attention.
From Nicola’s most relatable series yet to a hidden-gem period drama and a series we’re calling the new Unforgotten (you’ll see what we mean below), there’s something to suit practically every taste. And the one thing that’s guaranteed? A fantastic performance from Nicola. So, plans on pause for a moment as these are the 7 Nicola Walker dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.
Annika
BBC
If you enjoyed Unforgotten, Annika is sort of like a new and improved version. Nicola plays Annika Strandhed, a brilliantly dry detective inspector who heads up the Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) in Scotland. Her job? To investigate the many unexplainable murders that wash up in the Scottish waterways, which is far more interesting than it sounds. But the really clever part is that Annika often breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience directly and involving the audience in her investigations. Annika is available to watch now on U.
Touching Evil
ITV/Shutterstock
It might be nearly three decades old but crime dramas don’t get much better than Touching Evil. Over three equally absorbing series, we follow Detective Inspector Dave Creegan (played by Robson Green) and his professional partner, Detective Inspector Susan Taylor (Nicola Walker), who are members of the Organised & Serial Crime Unit (OSC), an elite rapid-response police force. The pair find themselves dealing with all manner of crimes, from the terrifying abduction of three children to a serial killer on the loose. Dark, punchy and practically unrivalled. Touching Evil is available to watch now on ITVX.
Collateral 
Netflix
Collateral’s clever premise deserve far more praise than it got when it first aired in 2018. Set over the course of four days, the drama follows the repercussions of a fatal shooting of pizza delivery man Abdullah Asif (Sam Otto) – and the impact it has on those who were – mostly unknowingly – connected to it. Among them are politician David Mars (John Simm) who becomes embroiled thanks to his turbulent relationship with his troubled ex Karen (Billie Piper), as well as Jane Oliver (Nicola), a compassionate vicar who’s been having an affair with the only witness to the crime. Available to watch now on Netflix.
Marriage
BBC
Easily Nicola’s most relatable drama, Marriage introduces us to couple, Emma (Nicola) and Ian (Sean Bean), taking an intimate look at their 30-year-marriage. Ian has been made redundant and his mum has passed away, while Emma is planning what she wants to do with her career, while also looking after her dad. The result is a funny, moving and revealing portrait of married life – and the many challenges that come with it. Available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
Mary & George
Sky
One for period drama fans, this seven-part series is inspired by the true story of Mary Villiers (played by Julianne Moore), who used her son, George, (Nicholas Galitzine) to worm her way into the higher echelons of English society. How does she do it? By orchestrating a relationship between George and King James I (Tony Curran). Nicola gives an incredible, entirely convincing, performance as Lady Elizabeth Hatton, the lady-in-waiting for the Queen consort Anne of Denmark, wife to King James I, and a fierce rival to Mary and George. Available to watch now on Sky and NOW.
A Mother’s Son 
ITV
A series that’s not too far removed from Netflix’s megahit Adolescence, Nicola once again steps into the role of detective in this twisty ITV drama. Her role as detective Sue Upton sees her investigate a particularly harrowing crime: the murder of a schoolgirl. Facing every parent’s worst nightmare is Rosie (Hermione Norris) who can’t fight the suspicion that her son Jamie (Alexander Arnold) is responsible for the death. But should she hand him over to the police or saying nothing? Available to watch now on ITVX.
Prisoners’ Wives
BBC
Anyone remember this BBC drama? In a departure from your usual prison drama, the series focuses on the women and children coping with having family members in prison, with the lead characters played by the likes of Polly Walker and Emma Rigby. While Nicola sadly isn’t in every episode, she does make a very valid appearance in series two as DCI Jo Fontaine and the drama is all the better for it. Available to watch now on Prime Video.
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