UPDATE: |ITV Grace’s John Simm ‘traumatised’ after filming ‘full-on’ stunt for show News

ITV’s Grace is based on the novels by Peter James

Tonight (April 6), Grace returns with four new thrilling cases to sink your teeth into, featuring an episode titled Dead If You Don’t where Roy Grace, played by John Simm, finds his day off at a football match not going according to plan.

In anticipation of the season five premiere, John Simm has shared insights about a particularly tense moment on set in which he performed a difficult stunt, describing filming beneath a pier while combating a rapidly rising tide.

Chatting with outlets including Express.co.uk, the 54 year old star recounted the harrowing experience: “That was a very challenging day, I have to say.”

He also humorously remarked: “I have PTSD after that.”

Best known for his role in Life on Mars, Simm went into detail about the adrenaline-inducing day: “It was cold. Yeah, it was full-on, it was a long day.”

Simm gave an inside look at the practical aspects of shooting the intense scene, revealing how real-life events mirrored the on-screen drama.

The reality of the shoot saw Simm navigating icy waters: “We were under the pier and it was filling up with water as well, so there’s really no acting required. I’m swimming in a suit, trying to untie a guy that’s tied up and get him through the water, hold his head up above the water and try to get him out.”

Regarding thoughts on possibly filming the sequence in warmer conditions like a heated pool, Simm wryly commented: “I know this production.”

He said: “We’ve done a few scenes in the water actually. The only time I’ve actually been in the sea in Brighton – because I don’t do this cold water swimming that people go in for – I’ve been in a suit pulling bodies out and rescuing people.

“It’s the only time I’ve been in, so I’ve been traumatised by it. Hopefully, it looks good.”

The crew faced a tight schedule to capture critical scenes, with only a 25 to 30-minute window available after waiting for the tide to rise.

At the press conference, Grace creator Peter James shared a light-hearted comment about the trials he concocts for his actors: “John and [Glen Branson star] Richie [Campbell] must think I spend all my time in my office thinking, ‘What is the worst torture I can now put them through?'”

Campbell, known for his roles in Top Boy and Liar, admitted having prior experience with water scenes for Grace, indicating that co-star John Simm knew what to expect with the new rescue sequence.

Delighting in the physical demands of his role, Campbell, at 42, expressed his enthusiasm for stunts: “I’m at a place where if I can do it, then why not?”

He praised their stunt coordinator’s impressive career, including work on Star Wars and as a double for Brad Pitt, noting the inspiring stories the coordinator brings to the set.

Campbell emphasised how the stunt coordinator’s expertise allows him to push limits safely, knowing what stunts he can convincingly perform.

Adding to his thoughts on the stunts, Campbell described them as “really exciting” and fitting for his character’s portrayal.

Grace season 5 airs on ITV on Sundays at 8pm