Characters - Sam Chuvelle's Heckley

Sandra (Marilyn Monroe)

Sandra has the looks of a stereotypical gorgeous blonde, however she is far from dumb. She is the daughter of the wealthy Merton family but although she has a good relationship with her parents she has refused financial support, preferring to work independently as a fashion model as well as dealing with the financial side of the Chuvelle Private Investigation Business. Sandra is not only Sam’s
beautiful wife but often his tower of strength. She is a quick thinker when the pressure is on, not only handling stress but also inspiring others.

Joe Bickerstaff (Tom Hardy)

Sam’s oldest friend. Joe lives quietly with his Father in the pit village where he was born. Highly thought of in his job at Toftshaw Coal Mine Joe has also earned a reputation for his skill as anamateur archaeologist. Being a fine specimen of a man the young ladies would love to feel his muscular arms around them, but he prefers the older treasures that are easy to understand.

Inspector Mossop (Mark Addy)

To most people, Dick Mossop appears to be a curt policeman who disregards social niceties in order to get the job done, earning him an enviable reputation as a thief catcher. Inspector Mossop has his own sense of justice which often necessitates cutting corners. But behind this brusque personalies an intelligent, caring man who enjoys the mutual respect felt between Sam and himself.

Hilda Mossop (Olivia Colman)

A lecturer at Leeds University, Hilda is a cultured, intelligent woman. To many people, the match between the sophisticated lady and the uncouth policeman appeared a bizarre combination whereas in fact, her husband’s artistic nature coincides exactly with that of her own. A fact that Dick Mossop goes to great lengths to conceal so as not to jeopardise his hard-man reputation. Together they make a cohesive couple who consider Sandra and Sam their friends.

Frankie (Tilda Swinton)

Sam’s right hand at the agency. An extremely tough Major in the Salvation Army whose moral principles extricated her from the tough gang culture she was previously engaged in. Frankie is a private person who rarely discloses her feelings, but her loyalty to Sam and the army is unshakeable. Despite her manner of speech and appearance, it is easy to underestimate her sharp mental ability. As a friend and ally she is loyal and trustworthy but to any adversary she is an indomitable force to be reckoned with.

Jason (Jason Statham)

A proud and courageous soldier, Jason heads a crack team in the Army’s Special Forces. Like Frankie, Jason is emotionally introverted, a quality they recognise in each other as kindred spirits. Jason is the consummate professional with a powerful sense of loyalty which he extends to those close to him. He is an ideal partner to Frankie and a welcome friend to Sam and Sandra.

Kevin (Ben Wishaw)

Kevin knows he’s a lucky lad to be working as anapprentice in the Chuvelle Private Investigation Agency. Although he has still a lot to learn he is determined to do his best and make a success of this career. His work colleagues have taken him under their wing, helping him to mature into a responsible adult and meet suitable girls. His football potential has also been recognised to an extent that he has been selected as a reserve for the Heckley United Football team.

Bessie Beaumont (Lynda Baron)

Bessie Beaumont is a canny Yorkshire woman who knows just what the customers of her cafe like. As with her establishment, Bessie has no airs or graces but her culinary repertoire is strictly limited. A firm Heckley United fan, the walls of the café are adorned by football memorabilia. Bessie’s overtly gregarious personality is greatly appreciated by male customers of a certain age.

Sgt Blake (Mark Rylance)

A good, reliable copper who has missed out on further promotion in his career due to his perceived lack of initiative. Blake is now nearing retirement. Inspector Mossop has come to rely heavily on his dogged persistence yet his strict adherence to the book has often placed him at odds with Mossop’s more cavalier attitude to policing.

Seth Holroyd (Jim Broadbent)

Seth Holroyd is the proud owner of the black pudding company that has been in his family for three generations. He is a good, honest man who almost lost everything due to his wife’s criminal behaviour. He is currently walking out with café owner, Bessie Beaumont, a widow with no other agenda other than being happy. Seth remains a well-respected member of the business community who contributes to several charitable institutions.

Robert Merston (Brian Cox)

Robert Merston worked his way up from a poor family background in Huddersfield to being a millionaire businessman. He is a shrewd man who married his wife, Dorothy for love and against strong opposition from her titled parents. He has subsequently proved himself a worthy member of the family and a devoted father to their three children.

Dorothy Merston (Stephanie
Beacham)

Dorothy is married to Robert Merston and is the mother of their children: Cassandra, Charlotte and Michael. She is the matriarch to Thurlston Manor, the stately home of the Merstons near Huddersfield. Dorothy is an intelligent, sophisticated woman with considerable influence amongst the aristocracy. She looks back now to her unconventional choice of marriage partner with justifiable satisfaction.

Grant Simpson (Christopher
Walken)

As Sam’s old schoolfriend, Grant Simpson was always on the look-out for making easy money. These ambitions were later realised with his criminal empire. On discovering that the most successful legitimate businessmen were more crooked than he was, without running the risk of prosecution, he decided to join them. Grant is a ruthless operator with zero tolerance towards those who get in his way. He holds a fondness for Sam and it was under his guidance that Sam entered the private detective profession.

Roxy Simpson (Liz Taylor)

As Grant’s wife, Roxy has no shortage of luxuries but as a sensuous woman she lacks the emotional attention she craves. Despite the flirtatious impression she projects, Roxy is a nable businesswoman in her own right running her own successful fashion shops in Heckley and Dewsbury.

Tsu Lin (Lucy Liu)

Exiled from her native China, Tsu Lin’s criminal mastery is an indomitable force in Britain. A meticulous planner, Tsu Lin always incorporates a contingency plan for if things don’t work out as envisaged. She is a ruthless criminal with no regard for human life. Who ever stands in her way is in grave danger.

Hezekiah Pyle (Adam Driver)

It is a combination of fear and adoration that drives Tsu Lin’s henchman to commit the evil acts demanded of him. The consuming fascination for Tsu Lin that fuels his grovelling obedience.

Gregory Davies (Stephen Merchant)

It would be hard to dislike the young Vicar of St.Michaels. Meeting every request with a smile, Reverent Greg is always ready to concede to the requests of his parishioners, how ever demanding. It is this over-eagerness to please that leads to an over-complicated life.

Pat Davies (Jenifer Saunders)

Pat Davies was born to be a Vicars wife. Alongside her Christian, caring nature she is a great organiser with the confidence to ensure things are done properly. She is not only a wonderful wife but with a background in music and teaching she is a great asset to the Heckley community.

Kingfisher (Piers Brosnan)

Suave, sophisticated member of British Secret Service. Code named Kingfisher, his aloof approach to solving crime is no match for the down to earth folk of Heckley whose common sense approach to things can often yield more effective results.

Joe Champion (Ian McNeice)

The straight talking Owner of Champions Premium Shoddy. With Joe what you see is what you get. He’s an honest, affable chap with a good heart. Although he lives in a grand house in the posh part of town has no aspirations of becoming part of the self-styled Heckley elite.

Agnes Champion (Brenda
Blethyn)

A down to earth woman with no pretensions towards any thing but the Heckley girl she is. Unchanged by riches, Agnes has a jolly, outgoing personality with a gift of being sensitive to the needs of others. A valuable friend to have.

Jane Champion (Catherine
Tyldesley)

Unlike her parents, Jane considers that the wealth of her family entitles her to privileges not accorded to those of her peers. This gives her a haughty, pretentious manner she has not earned. It is the hope of her parents that she will meet an unassuming Heckley lad who will plant her feet firmly on the ground.