Joanna Scanlan has described her role in the Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses as the "best job in television," praising both the production and her co-star Gary Oldman. The series, which follows the misfit agents of MI5’s Slough House, is set to return for its sixth season on September 16.
Scanlan, who joined Slow Horses in its fourth season, plays Moira Tregorian, the meticulous record-keeper at Slough House. She commended Oldman, who portrays Jackson Lamb, the disheveled leader of the team, for his exceptional acting ability and on-set presence. According to Scanlan, Oldman conveys deep complexity with minimal expression, a quality that challenges fellow actors to match his subtlety without overacting.
The 64-year-old artist emphasized the unique atmosphere on set, highlighting the creative generosity extended by Apple TV+. She described the production process as lavish and collaborative, setting it apart from typical television experiences. Scanlan expressed admiration for the way the team approaches each season, noting that the narrative typically builds toward a significant climactic event.
Despite her successful career—marked by accolades such as a BAFTA award in 2022 for her role in After Love and previous work on series including The Thick Of It and The Larkins—Scanlan described her personal life as comparatively modest. She lives with her husband, accountant Neil Bicknell, in Croydon, where her daily routine includes simple pleasures like walking their dog and visiting the local waste disposal site, which she jokingly called an “energiser.”
Scanlan’s reflections on the role and production were shared during an interview on the nature podcast Outsiding, where she also touched on the challenges and rewards of working alongside a seasoned actor like Oldman. Slow Horses continues to draw attention for its distinctive blend of espionage drama and character-driven storytelling, with the upcoming season highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
