FishLoveHam: ←Created page with '{{Short description|Fictional character from Blue Lights}} {{Infobox character | name = Grace Ellis | series = Blue Lights | image = | caption = | first_minor = The Code | first_date = 27 March 2023 | last_minor = | last_date = | creator = {{Plainlist| *Declan Lawn *Adam Patterson }} | portrayer = Siân Brooke | f...'
{{Short description|Fictional character from Blue Lights}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Grace Ellis
| series = Blue Lights
| image =
| caption =
| first_minor = [[Blue Lights (2023 TV series) series 1#ep1|The Code]]
| first_date = 27 March 2023
| last_minor =
| last_date =
| creator = {{Plainlist|
*Declan Lawn
*Adam Patterson
}}
| portrayer = [[Siân Brooke]]
| full_name =
| nickname = <!-- or |nicknames= -->
| alias = <!-- or |aliases= -->
| species = <!-- or |race=; for non-humans only -->
| gender = <!-- if not obvious -->
| title =
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
* Social worker
* Police officer
}}
| affiliation = <!-- or |alignment= -->
| fighting_style =
| weapon =
| family =
| spouse = <!-- or |spouses= -->
| significant_other = Stevie Neil
| children = Cal Ellis (son)
| relatives =
| religion =
| origin = <!-- or |home= -->
| nationality = [[English national identity|English]]
}}
'''Grace Ellis''' is a fictional character from the [[BBC]] [[police procedural]] drama ''[[Blue Lights (2023 TV series)|Blue Lights]]'', portrayed by [[Siân Brooke]]. Grace first appeared in the [[Blue Lights (2023 TV series) series 1#ep1|pilot episode of the series]], first broadcast on 27 March 2023. Created by series creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, Grace was initially introduced as one of three struggling rookie [[police officers]] at the fictional Blackthorn police station. Her storylines in the series have included her struggles as a rookie police officer, her gentler approach to policing in comparison to her colleagues, and her relations with the other officers, particularly her will-they-won't-they relationship with partner Stevie Neil ([[Martin McCann (actor)|Martin McCann]]).
Prior to her first appearance on the series, Grace worked in [[social services]] but decided to change her career path in her 40s, becoming a police officer. According to Lawn and Patterson, her backstory was inspired by a real-life individual, with her role in the series being used to show how "the idealism that someone has butts right up against the pragmatism of policing". When ''Blue Lights'' was commissioned for a second series, Brooke promised Grace would no longer be the "wide-eyed idealist" from the first series, now having been "slightly hardened" by the job. Brooke has expressed admiration for Grace's "abundance of empathy" and how she always tries to "do the right thing". Brooke received praise for her portrayal of Grace, with Nick Hilton of ''[[The Independent]]'' saying she made for a "terrific leading lady".
==Storylines==
<!-- 1 paragraph per series -->
Grace is introduced as one of the three probationary police officers of the Blackthorn, a police station in [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]], alongside Annie Conlon ([[Katherine Devlin]]) and Tommy Foster ([[Nathan Braniff]]). She stands out among the three as she was previously a social worker, is in her 40s, and has a teenage son, Cal Ellis (Matt Carver). Grace and her training officer, Stevie Neil ([[Martin McCann (actor)|Martin McCann]]), arrest a young man named Gordy Mackle (Dane Whyte O'Hara) after catching him [[speeding]] with a car belonging to [[terrorist]] James McIntyre ([[John Lynch (actor)|John Lynch]]) and inform his mother Angela ([[Valene Kane]]). Later, Grace and Stevie respond to Angela brandishing a knife in the street, with Grace managing to calm her down before Stevie arrests Angela. However, Angela is deemed [[out of bounds]], so Grace offers her a ride home. After Annie receives a death threat and begins fearing for her mother's safety, Grace allows her to move in with her. Cal is later arrested, which he feels is [[Racial profiling|racially motivated]]. Grace begins feeling that she can't understand her son's feelings about the arrest as he is [[mixed race]], but she is reassured by Stevie. After coworker Gerry Cliff ([[Richard Dormer]]) is killed on duty, Grace steals footage from an [[MI5]] officer's camera that depicts the crime, Grace convinces Gordy to testify against the McIntyre dynasty, resulting in their arrest.
A year later, Grace now lives in a new house with Annie, Cal has moved out to go to [[University]], and she and Stevie tried a relationship, but chose to end it for their work. While investigating a report, Grace almost shoots the murderer, which leaves her shaken. She tells Stevie that he needs to stop protecting her, as she doesn't need to be protected. Later, Annie tells Grace that new colleague Shane Bradley ([[Frank Blake (actor)|Frank Blake]]) shared an inappropriate image of them. Grace tells her to report him. When she is partnered with Shane the next day, she ignores him due to his actions, as he also allowed Tommy to be beaten the previous night. As revenge, when Shane is later attacked, Grace doesn't [[pepper spray]] the attacker. She later tries calling Cal, but he doesn't answer, causing her to miss him. Grace and Stevie are partnered again, but their car gets shot while on a job. The shooter is a young boy, Henry Thompson (Alfie Lawless), who still has the [[gun]]. Grace manages to make him drop it after a [[Mexican standoff|standoff]], and during questioning, she is able to make him talk. She asks his mother, Mags ([[Seána Kerslake]]), about the activities of her brother, Lee ([[Seamus O'Hara (actor)|Seamus O'Hara]]), but she refuses as she doesn't trust the police. After riots in the streets due to Stevie pointing a gun at Henry are quelled, Grace and Stevie decide to resume their relationship.
==Development==
Upon the cast announcements for ''Blue Lights'', Grace was billed as a mother of a teenager who "made the decision in her 40s to leave her steady job as a social worker to join the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]]".<ref name="Brand">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-blue-lights |title=Cast announced for brand new BBC One drama Blue Lights as filming begins |last= |first= |date=14 February 2022 |website=BBC Media Centre |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022022.../cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-blue-lights |archive-date=24 February 2022 }}</ref> It was stated that "having previously worked in social care, she straddles a fine line between the personal and professional".<ref name="Brand" /> Joining the police force was considered "the biggest gamble of her life", especially as she was commonly making mistakes and beginning to doubt her career path.<ref name="Brand" /> Actress Brooke added that Grace stands out amongst the other rookie officers due to not only being in her 40s, but also being a former [[social worker]] from [[England]].<ref name="Policing">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023...ma-blue-lights-dont-think-people-should-stop/ |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke: ‘We’re reflecting the reality of policing – good and bad’ |last=Bennion |first=Chris |date=2 April 2023 |website=The Telegraph |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...ma-blue-lights-dont-think-people-should-stop/ |archive-date=6 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke added that Grace's armour against the cruel treatment given to trainee police officers in Northern Ireland was her [[idealism]], believing that Grace's "naivety" is her strength, and praising how "Grace is on a mission to fix people", despite the mixed results in her early weeks.<ref name="Policing" /> Brooke commented that she was "thrilled" to play Grace as she was "hooked" upon reading the scripts.<ref name="Brand" /> She further explained that Grace's character "clicked" with her, saying that "Grace just jumped off the page and connected".<ref name="PSNI" /> In preparation to play Grace, Brooke thoroughly researched the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which included reading hundreds of articles, and speaking "at length" to police officers and social workers, research which helped her to "build" Grace's character.<ref name="PSNI">{{cite web |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/...ni-officers-for-role-research/1365393444.html |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke ‘talked at length’ with PSNI officers for role research |last=Allen |first=Kelly |date=10 April 2023 |website=Belfast Telegraph |language=English |access-date=15 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023041...ni-officers-for-role-research/1365393444.html |archive-date=19 April 2023 }}</ref> Brooke considered the information to be "invaluable", adding that "they gave us so many insights into what the actual day-to-day life of a serving officer is like and how it impacts upon their personal life".<ref name="PSNI" />
Series creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson created Grace in early development after Louise Gallagher, head of Gallagher Films, had told them about a woman who "left social work in Northern Ireland to become a cop at age 41".<ref name="Screen">{{cite web |url=https://tbivision.com/2022/10/17/ex...lice-drama-from-script-to-screen/#close-modal |title=Exclusive: 'Blue Lights' creators on taking BBC police drama from script to screen |last=Layton |first=Mark |date=17 October 2022 |website=Television Business International |language=English |access-date=3 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022101...aking-bbc-police-drama-from-script-to-screen/ |archive-date=17 October 2022 }}</ref> Patterson detailed that this person "became" Grace, adding that the character was used to explore how "the idealism that someone has – somebody who essentially wants to do good in the world – butts right up against the pragmatism of policing".<ref name="Screen" /> Brooke described Grace as someone with noble intentions, but that she is "messy and flawed", which the actress hoped would add relatability to Grace for audiences.<ref name="PSNI" /> Brooke praised writers Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson for their work on ensuring the show reflected reality.<ref name="Policing" /> On the [[ITV]] [[talk show]] ''[[This Morning]]'', Brooke commented that one of the key reasons she enjoyed playing Grace was because of Grace's writing, adding that Grace "knows right from wrong and follows that regardless of what happens".<ref name="Morning">{{cite AV media |people= |date=18 April 2024 |title=Sian Brooke (Blue Lights Actress) On This Morning [18.04.2024] |url=
|access-date=1 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=
|archive-date=1 May 2024 |type=Television production |language=English |publisher=This Morning |via=YouTube }}</ref> The actress admitted that her favourite aspect of filming the show was scenes in the police cars as "you were sat in a car that had no working functions inside and there would be a stunt driver on top speeding round corners and doing handbrake turns, which meant you could have all the fun but none of the responsibility – perfect".<ref name="PSNI" /> Brooke detailed that she had a "personal connection" to the story, as her father was in the police force for "a long time", which she commented made the world of the show feel "less alien" to her.<ref name="Personal">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-sian-brooke-personal-family-inspiration-newsupdate/ |title=Blue Lights' Sian Brooke explains personal family inspiration for role |last=Cormack |first=Morgan |date=27 March 2023 |website=Radio Times |language=English |access-date=15 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023092...rooke-personal-family-inspiration-newsupdate/ |archive-date=28 September 2023 }}</ref> She elaborated: "I've seen the sort of backstage of what it is to be a policeman at home. And as a daughter and seeing my dad in uniform, sometimes when you get up close to a police officer, the uniform is sort of intimidating or whatever. And with my dad, that was just like, there'd be a helmet or truncheon around or whatever".<ref name="Personal" /> Brooke disclosed that she often asked her father for advice during filming due to his past experience.<ref name="Morning" /> Brooke commented that she saw a lot of her father in Grace, namely comparing their similarly strong moral compasses.<ref name="Policing" />
Upon the renewal of ''Blue Lights'' for a second series, Brooke promised Grace would no longer be the "wide-eyed idealist" from series 1, now having been "slightly hardened" and understanding the boundaries of the job, adding that "she's all at sea now her son's at uni in Manchester".<ref name="Odd" /> Brooke was interested in the element of Grace's son, Cal, now being out of the picture, as she deemed it an uncommon story beat.<ref name="Odd" /> She addressed that "Grace's foundations of a home life aren't so stable and I think the job knocks her about a bit more in this series", explaining that "in the first series, she was very intent on trying to make things better and was slightly unrealistic in her ambitions. This time round, she's a little bit more realistic".<ref name="Records">{{cite web |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/art...and-a-highly-anticipated-new-season/6gi6mqkfy |title='Blue Lights' star Siân Brooke on Belfast, breaking records and a highly anticipated new season |last= |first= |date=15 April 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |access-date=18 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...and-a-highly-anticipated-new-season/6gi6mqkfy |archive-date=15 April 2024 }}</ref> Following the death of the character Gerry Cliff ([[Richard Dormer]]), Brooke revealed she was concerned Grace could be next, commenting that "you just don't know what's going to happen".<ref name="Deaths">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-deaths-sian-brooke-exclusive-newsupdate/ |title=Blue Lights star Siân Brooke hints more character deaths could happen |last=Gordon |first=Naomi |date=15 April 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=English |access-date=2 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...on-2-deaths-sian-brooke-exclusive-newsupdate/ |archive-date=23 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke was excited to play Grace again, as, in her words: "The first time round, when you're stepping into a new character, you're trying to put all the building blocks there and make sure that every little jigsaw piece is in the right place so that it lands, then the second time around you feel that the building is there, and you just need to open the door and walk in. It's less alien. You can colour in the painting that little bit more".<ref name="Records" /> She added that she "loved" playing Grace and believed that if she met Grace in real life, they would enjoy hanging out together. Brooke was also happy to return to Belfast to film the second series, commenting that it was an "amazing" city and that the people there are welcoming, generous, and funny.<ref name="Records" /> When asked how she was able to get into the role of Grace, Brooke credited writers Declan Law and Adam Patterson, detailing that: "I just thought that it was quite magical in the way that they had made a world, which I didn’t know brilliantly, so accessible because of their writing".<ref name="Hope">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t...-interview-blue-lights-season-two-1235869893/ |title=‘Blue Lights’ Star Siân Brooke on How the BBC’s Belfast Police Drama Has “Hope at Its Heart” |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=English |access-date=1 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...-interview-blue-lights-season-two-1235869893/ |archive-date=17 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke opined that Grace's best trait was "her abundance of empathy" and how she always tries to "do the right thing", commenting that it helped Grace stick out among her other roles she had played over the years.<ref name="Hope" /> When asked about the prospect of Grace and Stevie beginning a relationship, Brooke responded: "In series 2, they've decided to follow their heads not their hearts and concentrate on their job. But whether they're successful in that, you'll have to find out".<ref name="Deaths" />
==Reception==
Gabriel Tate of ''[[The Independent]]'' praised Brooke's performance as Grace, calling it "superb", and adding that the actress "nimbly balance[d] Grace's generosity of spirit with a buried insecurity over her personal circumstances".<ref name="Odd">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-...blue-lights-sian-brooke-belfast-b2524944.html |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke: ‘Policing is in a very odd place at the moment – it’s been shocking to hear’ |last=Tate |first=Gabriel |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Independent |language=English |access-date=15 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...blue-lights-sian-brooke-belfast-b2524944.html |archive-date=15 April 2024 }}</ref> Nick Hilton of ''The Independent'' praised the acting of the series, noting that "Brooke, in particular, is a terrific leading lady".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-...ights-series-2-review-episode-1-b2527885.html |title=Blue Lights review: Series two may be first rate, but there are still too many police dramas on TV |last=Hilton |first=Nick |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Independent |language=English |access-date=2 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...ights-series-2-review-episode-1-b2527885.html |archive-date=18 April 2024 }}</ref> In a review of the second series of ''Blue Lights'', James Hibbs of ''[[Radio Times]]'' praised Grace's character, writing that she "continues to be the real heart of the series, even if she has hardened somewhat between seasons", adding that Brooke "excelled" in the role.<ref name="Assured">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-review/ |title=Blue Lights season 2 review: Police drama's return is even more assured |last=Hibbs |first=James |date=16 April 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=English |access-date=3 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...mes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-review/ |archive-date=24 April 2024 }}</ref>
Brooke reported in an interview with ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' that she had spoken to many people around the world who told her that they knew someone like Grace and were able to identify with her.<ref name="Hope" /> Rachael Sigee of ''iNews'' praised Grace's "tender will-they-won't-they" between partner Stevie, calling it "fresh".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/blue-lights-review-next-happy-valley-3001501 |title=Blue Lights review: This is the successor to Happy Valley |last=Sigee |first=Rachael |date=15 April 2024 |website=iNews |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041.../blue-lights-review-next-happy-valley-3001501 |archive-date=16 April 2024 }}</ref> Rebecca Nicholson of ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised Grace's contrast to Stevie, explaining that "[Grace] believes she can change a system that barely gets through the day, while her partner, Stevie, has a much more realistic view on what they do during a shift and what they leave behind when they go home at night", calling it – as well as the other characters in ''Blue Lights'' – "well drawn and believable".<ref name="Thrilling">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-...-thrilling-cop-drama-is-one-of-tvs-best-shows |title=Blue Lights: this thrilling cop drama is one of TV’s best shows |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=1 May 2023 |website=The Guardian |language=English |access-date=1 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023122...-thrilling-cop-drama-is-one-of-tvs-best-shows |archive-date=28 December 2023 }}</ref> Hibbs (''Radio Times'') praised Grace and Stevie's "strong, entertaining dynamic" with eachother.<ref name="Assured" /> Brooke commented in a ''Radio Times'' interview that she would be a millionaire if she "had a [[pound sterling|pound]] for every time someone asked her: 'Are Stevie and Grace getting together'".<ref name="Deaths" />
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis, Grace}}
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2023]]
[[Category:English female characters in television]]
[[Category:Fictional people from Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Fictional social workers]]
[[Category:Fictional British police officers]]
Okumaya devam et...
{{Short description|Fictional character from Blue Lights}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Grace Ellis
| series = Blue Lights
| image =
| caption =
| first_minor = [[Blue Lights (2023 TV series) series 1#ep1|The Code]]
| first_date = 27 March 2023
| last_minor =
| last_date =
| creator = {{Plainlist|
*Declan Lawn
*Adam Patterson
}}
| portrayer = [[Siân Brooke]]
| full_name =
| nickname = <!-- or |nicknames= -->
| alias = <!-- or |aliases= -->
| species = <!-- or |race=; for non-humans only -->
| gender = <!-- if not obvious -->
| title =
| occupation = {{Plainlist|
* Social worker
* Police officer
}}
| affiliation = <!-- or |alignment= -->
| fighting_style =
| weapon =
| family =
| spouse = <!-- or |spouses= -->
| significant_other = Stevie Neil
| children = Cal Ellis (son)
| relatives =
| religion =
| origin = <!-- or |home= -->
| nationality = [[English national identity|English]]
}}
'''Grace Ellis''' is a fictional character from the [[BBC]] [[police procedural]] drama ''[[Blue Lights (2023 TV series)|Blue Lights]]'', portrayed by [[Siân Brooke]]. Grace first appeared in the [[Blue Lights (2023 TV series) series 1#ep1|pilot episode of the series]], first broadcast on 27 March 2023. Created by series creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, Grace was initially introduced as one of three struggling rookie [[police officers]] at the fictional Blackthorn police station. Her storylines in the series have included her struggles as a rookie police officer, her gentler approach to policing in comparison to her colleagues, and her relations with the other officers, particularly her will-they-won't-they relationship with partner Stevie Neil ([[Martin McCann (actor)|Martin McCann]]).
Prior to her first appearance on the series, Grace worked in [[social services]] but decided to change her career path in her 40s, becoming a police officer. According to Lawn and Patterson, her backstory was inspired by a real-life individual, with her role in the series being used to show how "the idealism that someone has butts right up against the pragmatism of policing". When ''Blue Lights'' was commissioned for a second series, Brooke promised Grace would no longer be the "wide-eyed idealist" from the first series, now having been "slightly hardened" by the job. Brooke has expressed admiration for Grace's "abundance of empathy" and how she always tries to "do the right thing". Brooke received praise for her portrayal of Grace, with Nick Hilton of ''[[The Independent]]'' saying she made for a "terrific leading lady".
==Storylines==
<!-- 1 paragraph per series -->
Grace is introduced as one of the three probationary police officers of the Blackthorn, a police station in [[Belfast]], [[Northern Ireland]], alongside Annie Conlon ([[Katherine Devlin]]) and Tommy Foster ([[Nathan Braniff]]). She stands out among the three as she was previously a social worker, is in her 40s, and has a teenage son, Cal Ellis (Matt Carver). Grace and her training officer, Stevie Neil ([[Martin McCann (actor)|Martin McCann]]), arrest a young man named Gordy Mackle (Dane Whyte O'Hara) after catching him [[speeding]] with a car belonging to [[terrorist]] James McIntyre ([[John Lynch (actor)|John Lynch]]) and inform his mother Angela ([[Valene Kane]]). Later, Grace and Stevie respond to Angela brandishing a knife in the street, with Grace managing to calm her down before Stevie arrests Angela. However, Angela is deemed [[out of bounds]], so Grace offers her a ride home. After Annie receives a death threat and begins fearing for her mother's safety, Grace allows her to move in with her. Cal is later arrested, which he feels is [[Racial profiling|racially motivated]]. Grace begins feeling that she can't understand her son's feelings about the arrest as he is [[mixed race]], but she is reassured by Stevie. After coworker Gerry Cliff ([[Richard Dormer]]) is killed on duty, Grace steals footage from an [[MI5]] officer's camera that depicts the crime, Grace convinces Gordy to testify against the McIntyre dynasty, resulting in their arrest.
A year later, Grace now lives in a new house with Annie, Cal has moved out to go to [[University]], and she and Stevie tried a relationship, but chose to end it for their work. While investigating a report, Grace almost shoots the murderer, which leaves her shaken. She tells Stevie that he needs to stop protecting her, as she doesn't need to be protected. Later, Annie tells Grace that new colleague Shane Bradley ([[Frank Blake (actor)|Frank Blake]]) shared an inappropriate image of them. Grace tells her to report him. When she is partnered with Shane the next day, she ignores him due to his actions, as he also allowed Tommy to be beaten the previous night. As revenge, when Shane is later attacked, Grace doesn't [[pepper spray]] the attacker. She later tries calling Cal, but he doesn't answer, causing her to miss him. Grace and Stevie are partnered again, but their car gets shot while on a job. The shooter is a young boy, Henry Thompson (Alfie Lawless), who still has the [[gun]]. Grace manages to make him drop it after a [[Mexican standoff|standoff]], and during questioning, she is able to make him talk. She asks his mother, Mags ([[Seána Kerslake]]), about the activities of her brother, Lee ([[Seamus O'Hara (actor)|Seamus O'Hara]]), but she refuses as she doesn't trust the police. After riots in the streets due to Stevie pointing a gun at Henry are quelled, Grace and Stevie decide to resume their relationship.
==Development==
Upon the cast announcements for ''Blue Lights'', Grace was billed as a mother of a teenager who "made the decision in her 40s to leave her steady job as a social worker to join the [[Police Service of Northern Ireland]]".<ref name="Brand">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-blue-lights |title=Cast announced for brand new BBC One drama Blue Lights as filming begins |last= |first= |date=14 February 2022 |website=BBC Media Centre |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022022.../cast-announced-for-bbc-one-drama-blue-lights |archive-date=24 February 2022 }}</ref> It was stated that "having previously worked in social care, she straddles a fine line between the personal and professional".<ref name="Brand" /> Joining the police force was considered "the biggest gamble of her life", especially as she was commonly making mistakes and beginning to doubt her career path.<ref name="Brand" /> Actress Brooke added that Grace stands out amongst the other rookie officers due to not only being in her 40s, but also being a former [[social worker]] from [[England]].<ref name="Policing">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2023...ma-blue-lights-dont-think-people-should-stop/ |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke: ‘We’re reflecting the reality of policing – good and bad’ |last=Bennion |first=Chris |date=2 April 2023 |website=The Telegraph |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024040...ma-blue-lights-dont-think-people-should-stop/ |archive-date=6 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke added that Grace's armour against the cruel treatment given to trainee police officers in Northern Ireland was her [[idealism]], believing that Grace's "naivety" is her strength, and praising how "Grace is on a mission to fix people", despite the mixed results in her early weeks.<ref name="Policing" /> Brooke commented that she was "thrilled" to play Grace as she was "hooked" upon reading the scripts.<ref name="Brand" /> She further explained that Grace's character "clicked" with her, saying that "Grace just jumped off the page and connected".<ref name="PSNI" /> In preparation to play Grace, Brooke thoroughly researched the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which included reading hundreds of articles, and speaking "at length" to police officers and social workers, research which helped her to "build" Grace's character.<ref name="PSNI">{{cite web |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/...ni-officers-for-role-research/1365393444.html |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke ‘talked at length’ with PSNI officers for role research |last=Allen |first=Kelly |date=10 April 2023 |website=Belfast Telegraph |language=English |access-date=15 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023041...ni-officers-for-role-research/1365393444.html |archive-date=19 April 2023 }}</ref> Brooke considered the information to be "invaluable", adding that "they gave us so many insights into what the actual day-to-day life of a serving officer is like and how it impacts upon their personal life".<ref name="PSNI" />
Series creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson created Grace in early development after Louise Gallagher, head of Gallagher Films, had told them about a woman who "left social work in Northern Ireland to become a cop at age 41".<ref name="Screen">{{cite web |url=https://tbivision.com/2022/10/17/ex...lice-drama-from-script-to-screen/#close-modal |title=Exclusive: 'Blue Lights' creators on taking BBC police drama from script to screen |last=Layton |first=Mark |date=17 October 2022 |website=Television Business International |language=English |access-date=3 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2022101...aking-bbc-police-drama-from-script-to-screen/ |archive-date=17 October 2022 }}</ref> Patterson detailed that this person "became" Grace, adding that the character was used to explore how "the idealism that someone has – somebody who essentially wants to do good in the world – butts right up against the pragmatism of policing".<ref name="Screen" /> Brooke described Grace as someone with noble intentions, but that she is "messy and flawed", which the actress hoped would add relatability to Grace for audiences.<ref name="PSNI" /> Brooke praised writers Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson for their work on ensuring the show reflected reality.<ref name="Policing" /> On the [[ITV]] [[talk show]] ''[[This Morning]]'', Brooke commented that one of the key reasons she enjoyed playing Grace was because of Grace's writing, adding that Grace "knows right from wrong and follows that regardless of what happens".<ref name="Morning">{{cite AV media |people= |date=18 April 2024 |title=Sian Brooke (Blue Lights Actress) On This Morning [18.04.2024] |url=
Upon the renewal of ''Blue Lights'' for a second series, Brooke promised Grace would no longer be the "wide-eyed idealist" from series 1, now having been "slightly hardened" and understanding the boundaries of the job, adding that "she's all at sea now her son's at uni in Manchester".<ref name="Odd" /> Brooke was interested in the element of Grace's son, Cal, now being out of the picture, as she deemed it an uncommon story beat.<ref name="Odd" /> She addressed that "Grace's foundations of a home life aren't so stable and I think the job knocks her about a bit more in this series", explaining that "in the first series, she was very intent on trying to make things better and was slightly unrealistic in her ambitions. This time round, she's a little bit more realistic".<ref name="Records">{{cite web |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/art...and-a-highly-anticipated-new-season/6gi6mqkfy |title='Blue Lights' star Siân Brooke on Belfast, breaking records and a highly anticipated new season |last= |first= |date=15 April 2024 |website=What's On TV |language=English |access-date=18 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...and-a-highly-anticipated-new-season/6gi6mqkfy |archive-date=15 April 2024 }}</ref> Following the death of the character Gerry Cliff ([[Richard Dormer]]), Brooke revealed she was concerned Grace could be next, commenting that "you just don't know what's going to happen".<ref name="Deaths">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-deaths-sian-brooke-exclusive-newsupdate/ |title=Blue Lights star Siân Brooke hints more character deaths could happen |last=Gordon |first=Naomi |date=15 April 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=English |access-date=2 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...on-2-deaths-sian-brooke-exclusive-newsupdate/ |archive-date=23 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke was excited to play Grace again, as, in her words: "The first time round, when you're stepping into a new character, you're trying to put all the building blocks there and make sure that every little jigsaw piece is in the right place so that it lands, then the second time around you feel that the building is there, and you just need to open the door and walk in. It's less alien. You can colour in the painting that little bit more".<ref name="Records" /> She added that she "loved" playing Grace and believed that if she met Grace in real life, they would enjoy hanging out together. Brooke was also happy to return to Belfast to film the second series, commenting that it was an "amazing" city and that the people there are welcoming, generous, and funny.<ref name="Records" /> When asked how she was able to get into the role of Grace, Brooke credited writers Declan Law and Adam Patterson, detailing that: "I just thought that it was quite magical in the way that they had made a world, which I didn’t know brilliantly, so accessible because of their writing".<ref name="Hope">{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t...-interview-blue-lights-season-two-1235869893/ |title=‘Blue Lights’ Star Siân Brooke on How the BBC’s Belfast Police Drama Has “Hope at Its Heart” |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=English |access-date=1 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...-interview-blue-lights-season-two-1235869893/ |archive-date=17 April 2024 }}</ref> Brooke opined that Grace's best trait was "her abundance of empathy" and how she always tries to "do the right thing", commenting that it helped Grace stick out among her other roles she had played over the years.<ref name="Hope" /> When asked about the prospect of Grace and Stevie beginning a relationship, Brooke responded: "In series 2, they've decided to follow their heads not their hearts and concentrate on their job. But whether they're successful in that, you'll have to find out".<ref name="Deaths" />
==Reception==
Gabriel Tate of ''[[The Independent]]'' praised Brooke's performance as Grace, calling it "superb", and adding that the actress "nimbly balance[d] Grace's generosity of spirit with a buried insecurity over her personal circumstances".<ref name="Odd">{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-...blue-lights-sian-brooke-belfast-b2524944.html |title=Blue Lights star Sian Brooke: ‘Policing is in a very odd place at the moment – it’s been shocking to hear’ |last=Tate |first=Gabriel |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Independent |language=English |access-date=15 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...blue-lights-sian-brooke-belfast-b2524944.html |archive-date=15 April 2024 }}</ref> Nick Hilton of ''The Independent'' praised the acting of the series, noting that "Brooke, in particular, is a terrific leading lady".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-...ights-series-2-review-episode-1-b2527885.html |title=Blue Lights review: Series two may be first rate, but there are still too many police dramas on TV |last=Hilton |first=Nick |date=15 April 2024 |website=The Independent |language=English |access-date=2 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041...ights-series-2-review-episode-1-b2527885.html |archive-date=18 April 2024 }}</ref> In a review of the second series of ''Blue Lights'', James Hibbs of ''[[Radio Times]]'' praised Grace's character, writing that she "continues to be the real heart of the series, even if she has hardened somewhat between seasons", adding that Brooke "excelled" in the role.<ref name="Assured">{{cite web |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-review/ |title=Blue Lights season 2 review: Police drama's return is even more assured |last=Hibbs |first=James |date=16 April 2024 |website=Radio Times |language=English |access-date=3 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024042...mes.com/tv/drama/blue-lights-season-2-review/ |archive-date=24 April 2024 }}</ref>
Brooke reported in an interview with ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' that she had spoken to many people around the world who told her that they knew someone like Grace and were able to identify with her.<ref name="Hope" /> Rachael Sigee of ''iNews'' praised Grace's "tender will-they-won't-they" between partner Stevie, calling it "fresh".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/blue-lights-review-next-happy-valley-3001501 |title=Blue Lights review: This is the successor to Happy Valley |last=Sigee |first=Rachael |date=15 April 2024 |website=iNews |language=English |access-date=17 April 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2024041.../blue-lights-review-next-happy-valley-3001501 |archive-date=16 April 2024 }}</ref> Rebecca Nicholson of ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised Grace's contrast to Stevie, explaining that "[Grace] believes she can change a system that barely gets through the day, while her partner, Stevie, has a much more realistic view on what they do during a shift and what they leave behind when they go home at night", calling it – as well as the other characters in ''Blue Lights'' – "well drawn and believable".<ref name="Thrilling">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-...-thrilling-cop-drama-is-one-of-tvs-best-shows |title=Blue Lights: this thrilling cop drama is one of TV’s best shows |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=1 May 2023 |website=The Guardian |language=English |access-date=1 May 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2023122...-thrilling-cop-drama-is-one-of-tvs-best-shows |archive-date=28 December 2023 }}</ref> Hibbs (''Radio Times'') praised Grace and Stevie's "strong, entertaining dynamic" with eachother.<ref name="Assured" /> Brooke commented in a ''Radio Times'' interview that she would be a millionaire if she "had a [[pound sterling|pound]] for every time someone asked her: 'Are Stevie and Grace getting together'".<ref name="Deaths" />
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis, Grace}}
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2023]]
[[Category:English female characters in television]]
[[Category:Fictional people from Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Fictional social workers]]
[[Category:Fictional British police officers]]
Okumaya devam et...