Back in the HABIT

TALE LORNA WATSON on the fun of cracking more crimes in Great Slaughter

The hills are alive with the sound of mopeds as Vespa-riding, crime-solving nun Sister Boniface scoots back on to our screens for a second series of light-hearted adventures.

A spin-off from BBC1's popular period crime drama Father Brown, Drama's Sister Boniface Mysteries follows the sleuthing exploits of the titular amateur detective (played by Lorna Watson), whose expertise in forensics has become a valuable asset for the Great Slaughter Police Department in tackling the (fictional) community's surprisingly high murder rate.

The new run of whimsical whodunnits finds the versatile, bespectacled nun getting involved in investigations linked to everything from a chess tournament, a supermodel, a pirate radio station and an amateur dramatics group to a couples retreat, a Carry On-style movie shoot and, in episode one, foul play that takes place on the set of visiting children's TV show Jolly Roger.

TV Times caught up with Lorna, 46, for an exclusive interview to get her case notes...

Lorna, what’s it been like being back in the habit?

I’m a big fan of the habit, although it is very hot! It’s a very transformative costume, as it affects everything right down to the way you turn your head. It really helps in terms of getting into character, just because it is so very different from what you’d normally be wearing.

Does it feel different playing a role that is the title character in a series?

It’s a real team effort on Sister Boniface Mysteries, as it’s an ensemble cast, so I just feel like part of the gang. But maybe there is that slight pressure that you want to be on top of everything, and for things to run smoothly and everyone to be happy.

Did you ever want to be a nun when you were growing up?