Trivia / Cracker

• Ability over Appearance: Fitz was described in the script as a "thin, wiry man with a sense of danger - a John Cassavetes type" who looked like he had spent some time in the army.
• Acting for Two: After departing the series, Christopher Eccleston makes cameos in "Men Should Weep" as a churchgoer and "Brotherly Love" as John Bilborough, David's twin brother.
• Actor Leaves, Character Dies: Bilborough and Beck were Killed Off for Real when Christopher Eccleston and Lorcan Cranitch wanted to leave the series.
• Actor-Shared Background: Christopher Eccleston plays Bilborough’s twin brother. Although not a twin himself, Eccleston’s two older brothers in Real Life are twins.
• Dolled-Up Installment: The "Men Should Weep" storyline was originally conceived as a plot for Prime Suspect, in which Jane Tennison was raped.
• Hypothetical Casting: Jimmy McGovern described as a John Cassavetes type, "thin and wiry...an ex-military-type". Hilarious in Hindsight, given the eventual casting of Robbie Coltrane. Robert Pastorelli, who played the lead in the American remake, was somewhat on the beefy side as well.
• Playing Against Type: Robbie Coltrane was (and arguably still is) known primarily as a comedy actor, or else Rubeus Hagrid. First-time viewers may be shocked to see Coltrane playing a character who, while allowing for flourishes of wit and ribald humor, is extremely flawed and borderline unlikable. Coltrane won three BAFTAs for the role, proving himself a remarkably versatile talent.
• Tom Hanks Syndrome: Robbie Coltrane was primarily known as a comedic actor— until this cemented him as a dramatic actor.
• What Could Have Been:
  • Robert Lindsay was the original choice for Fitz but turned it down.
  • Christopher Eccleston was originally interested in playing Fitz when he first heard about the project.

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