Andrew Lincoln is recognized for his role as Rick Grimes, a resilient survivor in the zombie apocalypse on The Walking Dead. Although his time as the lead on the show ended in Season 9, he made a recent return in the spinoff The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Surprisingly, he has now secured a new role, and it’s quite unexpected.
Starring in a major TV series, especially one as intense and emotionally-draining as The Walking Dead, can be a demanding experience. It can be even tougher when the actor, like Andrew Lincoln, has to film in Georgia while being separated from his family in England, his home country. He humorously explained that leaving the zombie drama was a “terrible decision” but necessary to spend more time with his wife, kids, and other family members. Despite this, his decision to take on a project back in the U.K. comes as a surprise.
Andrew Lincoln has recently confirmed his involvement in the ITV thriller Cold Water, marking his first U.K.-based project in over ten years. In the series, he will play the role of John, a middle-aged stay-at-home father who conceals his inner turmoil and struggles to come to terms with the passage of time. Additionally, Lincoln will serve as an executive producer for the show.
After moving with his wife Fiona (portrayed by Indira Varma, known for her role as Ellaria Sand on Game of Thrones) and their family to a quiet town in Scotland, John strikes up an intriguing friendship with their enigmatic neighbor, Tommy (played by Ewen Bremner of Trainspotting fame). As their relationship intensifies, Fiona grows increasingly concerned that Tommy may not be who he claims to be.
The show is penned by renowned playwright David Ireland, who is also serving as an executive producer alongside Lincoln and others. Additionally, the cast includes Eve Myles, known for her role in the Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, which also featured Varma.
Ireland has described the series as a “dark, funny, twisted thriller,” aligning it with the type of content popular in the entertainment industry. This marks the return of the distinguished actor to British television since his last appearance in 2010, when he portrayed Hugh Collinson in five episodes of Strike Back.
Back in the same year, viewers were introduced to some spine-chilling zombie encounters set in Atlanta on The Walking Dead (TWD). Given the extensive nature of his work on this iconic horror series, it’s not surprising that he didn’t have much time to work on other TV shows in his home country during that period, despite originally gaining recognition in England for his work on shows like Teachers and This Life. His upcoming role in Cold Water, scheduled to commence filming in 2024, will undoubtedly pique the interest of TWD fans, even though it means we may have to wait a while for updates on the potential renewal of The One Who Live for a second season.
