BBC Virdee star Staz Nair speaks out on season 2 as fans beg for show return

Staz Nair, famed for his roles in Game of Thrones and Supergirl, reveals he's holding out hope for a less stressful second season for his latest character, DCI Harry Virdee, in the BBC drama. The actor spoke candidly to Reach Screen Time on the National Film Awards red carpet, discussing his aspirations for the role.

When debating his wishes for the series continuation, Staz joked: "I hope I'm not so stressed for it! I hope Harry gets a bit of a moment but probably not."

He then confessed, "No, that's a lie, I think most actors like a challenge," and mused about the personal growth that comes from pushing boundaries. "You know, we're not just here to stagnate, we're here to push ourselves not just as actors, but as people, challenge ourselves."

He expresses an eagerness to face challenges akin to those in the first season and cherishes the friendships formed with the cast. "I hope I get as much of a challenge as I did from the first season, and the cast is so lovely and I really made some friends for life from there.

"So hopefully I'll be seeing them all again and taking it on another ride!" he exclaimed with anticipation, reports Leeds Live.

On the red carpet, Staz also confided to journalists that portraying Virdee was "the biggest challenge I've ever experienced" elaborating on the complexities of honouring the Bradford Asian community and tackling the depth of cultural, familial, and racial dynamics inherent in the role.

Opening up about the challenging aspects of storytelling, he confessed: "You know, it was a tough pill to swallow in terms of 'how do I put them together and still honour my version of how I want to tell this'."

He admitted the process was daunting, saying: "So it was scary, if I'm completely honest, but with the love and approval of our writer and a cast that is always willing to go above and beyond for the show, it became easier and easier."

The actor affirmed his growth through the experience: "It really did help me stand up on my own two feet and realise I can do this, and do this well."

He also shared that while the future of the series remains uncertain, stating they are "waiting to find out in the near future about season 2", the overwhelmingly positive reception has been "wonderful to see".

Set against the backdrop of AA Dhand's novel series, Virdee chronicles Detective Harry Virdee's life as a staunch Bradford detective, juxtaposed by his tumultuous private life.

The BBC has piqued interest with its synopsis: "Love cost him his family. Now a killer threatens his city. With a turf war brewing in Bradford, DCI Harry Virdee's world is on fire. How far will he go to save it?"

Virdee season 1 is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.