A new six-part ITV crime drama titled *Winter* stars Richard Armitage as Dr. Ethan Winter, an unconventional forensic pathologist whose skill in analyzing victims and breaking investigative rules makes him a key figure in solving murder cases. The series pairs Winter with DI Lauren Bell, a detail-oriented detective played by Annabel Scholey, as they navigate complex investigations that unfold both episodically and through an overarching narrative.

The show centers on Winter’s struggle with the unresolved murder of a close acquaintance, a personal case that drives him to pursue unofficial and sometimes risky lines of inquiry. Armitage, 55, known for roles in *The Hobbit* franchise and *North & South*, described his character’s challenge in managing the psychological toll of dealing with violent crimes daily while maintaining a semblance of normal life. “Winter’s life at home is a sort of vacuum of social life,” Armitage explained, adding that the character is haunted by his work to the point it affects his personal conduct and causes him to bend legal boundaries during investigations.

Winter’s partnership with DI Lauren Bell is marked by initial friction that gradually gives way to mutual respect and trust. Armitage noted the significance of this dynamic, describing Bell as an ally who joins Winter on his journey both professionally and personally. Scholey, 42, who has appeared in *Rivals*, *The Sixth Commandment*, and *The Split*, emphasized her character’s loneliness despite having a family. Bell faces challenges such as growing children, a drifting husband, and the recent loss of her father, while striving to assert herself in a male-dominated field.

Scholey described Bell as a control-oriented individual whose views and methods are often challenged by Winter’s unorthodox approach. Over time, Bell finds that Winter’s thinking “outside the box” encourages her to reconsider her own perspectives, leading to a deepening friendship and mutual reliance. “She maybe doesn’t realise it, but she’s missing something in her life, and he is filling that void at the moment,” Scholey said.

Both lead actors expressed a strong sense of responsibility in anchoring the series, especially in supporting the performances of younger and less experienced cast members who deliver emotionally intense scenes. Scholey highlighted the privilege of exploring her character in depth over an extended production period, noting the development of a strong collaborative atmosphere on set.

In addition to the psychological and interpersonal elements, Armitage shared insights into the practical aspects of portraying a forensic pathologist, including the challenges of working with props like gloves and fake blood to create a believable professional environment.

*Winter* enters the landscape of British crime dramas featuring complex, often flawed protagonists, drawing comparisons to series such as *Sherlock* and *Luther*, while offering a fresh focus on the impact of crime-solving on those behind the scenes.