Thousands attend Nordic TV event

Thousands of Nordic noir fans have gathered in London to get a glimpse of the genre’s biggest stars.

Actors Sofia Helin and Kim Bodnia, who play detectives Saga Noren and Martin Rohde in Swedish/Danish TV show The Bridge, were among the biggest draws at a packed Nordicana expo held in east London’s Brick Lane.

They signed memorabilia and took part in a Q&A session alongside Sidse Babett Knudsen, best known as Danish prime minister Birgitte Nyborg in Borgen.

Sofia, 41, was at the event in the old Truman brewery with her character’s trademark vintage yellow Porsche 911.

She said that British audiences had bought in to the cult series’ plot and her character’s relationship with Martin, which sees her in the role of a ultra-rational and detached Swedish policewoman tracking a serial killer alongside her laid-back Danish counterpart.

“We just have a good ping pong,” Kim said about the chemistry between the pair.

Commenting on the 3,000 people who turned out for the expo, the 48-year-old Dane said: “It’s crazy when you come out and talk to so many people at the same time but that’s what TV and internet can do.

“It connects people fast but the brain can’t get it, you cannot understand it, it’s huge, massive.”

Sidse said that she was surprised that political drama Borgen had travelled so well despite the focus on Danish government and media.

“It means we get a chance to see our country and who we are and our national identity with a bit of distance, which is very gratifying. It’s a great experience,” the 45-year-old said.

Thousands attend Nordic TV event