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Walker steps into a role that mirrors her own life
Acclaimed actor Nicola Walker, known for her portrayals of detectives and lawyers, takes on her most relatable character to date in the new comedy-drama Alice and Steve. The six-part series, co-starring Jemaine Clement, explores the unraveling of a decades-long friendship after Alice discovers her best friend Steve is dating her 26-year-old daughter.
The premise: friendship tested by an impossible dilemma
The show blends sharp humor with raw emotional conflict as Alice and Steve navigate jealousy, resentment, and revenge. While the scenario may seem extreme, Walker reveals the parenting struggles at its core feel deeply familiar.
"My son is older and has had a few relationships, and as a mother, every one is unexpected. It's really hard going from having complete control of them as small children to watching them bring home people they desire. It's a massive shift," she tells BBC News.
Walker admits the challenge lies in knowing when to step back-a lesson Alice fails to learn. "You have to keep your mouth shut, which is the opposite of what Alice does. You have to become bovine, just going 'mm-hmm' and pretending to agree," she laughs.
A character closer to home than any before
Despite her extensive career-from Unforgotten's Detective Cassie Stuart to The Split's Hannah Stern-Walker says Alice is the role that feels most like her. "I'm always playing Alice in every job I've ever done. She's nearer to me than anyone else I've played," she explains, citing shared "rage" and the chaotic love of parenting as key connections.
The relatability makes Alice more than just an overbearing parent. Behind the comedy, she's a woman grappling with the loss of control over her daughter's choices.
Steve: more than a cliché
Clement, known for What We Do in the Shadows and Flight of the Conchords, was drawn to Steve's internal conflict. "What makes Steve human is the conflict within himself-he wants something he shouldn't do," he says. While audiences might assume Steve is a "sleazy guy," the show resists easy judgments.
"The writer is careful to show that if it wasn't Alice's daughter, these two people might have a good relationship. It's hard to point the finger at any one character," Walker notes.
Critics praise the show's refusal to pick sides
Reviews highlight the series' ability to balance comedy with poignant themes. Radio Times called it an "impressively wrong-footing drama about love and hate," while The Hollywood Reporter praised its "sharp humor and unexpected depth."
The show also sparks broader conversations about age-gap relationships and societal perceptions. Clement observes that reactions might differ if the genders were reversed, while Walker praises the script's honest portrayal of aging-particularly Alice's lack of self-pity.
"I love the honesty of a woman saying, 'I'm done, and it's not my time-it's their time.' I've never read that from an older woman before," she says.
No easy answers, only messy truths
Both actors emphasize the show's unpredictability. "People think they know where it's going, but we can promise it doesn't go where you think," Walker says. Clement adds, "Neither of us predicted the ending."
When asked for dating advice, the pair demur. "We haven't dated for a while," Clement jokes, eventually settling on: "Go to the cinema." Walker, echoing Alice's struggles, admits, "My advice is pointless. I'm keeping my mouth shut."
Where to watch
Alice and Steve premieres on Disney+ on 8 June.
