The hit British crime series Karen Pirie is back for its second season. This time, part of the story takes place in Malta, featuring local settings and Maltese actors.
Lauren Lyle stars as detective-sergeant Karen Pirie from Police Scotland. The show is based on the novels by Val McDermid. In the second season, Pirie reopens a cold case from the 1980s involving a woman and her child who were kidnapped. The three-episode season unfolds across two timelines, with present-day scenes set in Malta.
Filming occurred in well-known spots around the island, including Valletta, Cottonera, and Mellieħa. Maltese actors Sarah Naudi and Edward De Gaetano joined the cast, portraying a local detective and a police officer, respectively.
Naudi left Malta at 15 to pursue her acting dreams in London. She expressed that returning home to film was a special experience. “It was great coming back to places I’d known in a different life,” she told Times of Malta. She mentioned that the mix of Maltese and foreign crew created a positive working atmosphere and praised the local professionals for their experience and ease of collaboration.
She was also thrilled to work closely with Lauren Lyle. “She’s so calm and bubbly but totally professional. I learned a lot just by watching her. Most of my scenes were with her.”
For Naudi, this role marked a milestone since it was her first time playing a Maltese character on screen. “I usually get cast as French, Italian, or South American. Lately, I’ve even started getting British roles,” she said.
She spoke candidly about the challenges Maltese actors face in the UK, especially regarding typecasting. “A lot of my friends struggle because of how they look or their accent. It’s tough because acting should be about transforming into other people, but we’re often stuck playing ourselves.”
When asked what advice she would offer to Maltese actors hoping to succeed abroad, she encouraged them not to be discouraged by the cost of drama schools. “There are so many online resources now, like acting courses on Masterclass taught by actors like Samuel L. Jackson. But if you can get a scholarship, definitely go for it.”
With its gripping plot and Maltese influence, season 2 of Karen Pirie is spotlighting local talent on the international stage while showcasing what Malta has to offer both on and off the screen.
