Shaw: I want Gently to stay in 60s

Martin Shaw has revealed he would like Inspector George Gently to remain in the Swinging 60s.

The actor, who reprises his role as the TV cop in the BBC One crime drama, reckons there are more issues that the show can explore in the decade.

“My own personal view is that I hope it stays in that decade, because it’s a very rich vein. There’s a lot more to cover, not least the Moon landing,” he told TV Times.

“But those decisions are not in my hands. We’re involved in discussions about who the characters are, but the big decisions are taken way above our pay grades unfortunately!”

However, Martin’s co-star Lee Ingleby, who is back as Detective Sergeant John Bacchus, said he would be glad to see the pair fighting crime in a later decade.

“I’ve heard people saying it’s a 60s show, but why can’t it move with the times?” he said.

“They initially wanted it to be a formulaic cop drama and we fought against that. We wanted to keep changing and happily they went with it, because I think it gets better and better. People are afraid it will become something different in the 70s, but it won’t suddenly turn into Starsky And Hutch. It’s one year on, it’s just a number.”

The sixth series of the show returns to BBC One on February 6. The first episode follows on from last season’s finale where the duo were seen fighting for their lives after being shot.

“We left everyone with quite a cliffhanger, didn’t we? But don’t worry, George is fighting back,” teased Martin.

Lee added: “Bacchus is in a dark place. He has been to hell and back; he almost died.”

Shaw: I want Gently to stay in 60s