David Mitchell has spoken about the fan response to his new show Ludwig, in which he stars alongside Anna Maxwell Martin.
The detective comedy-drama focuses on reclusive puzzle maker John Taylor (Mitchell) and sister-in-law Lucy (Martin) as they investigate the disappearance of James (also played by Mitchell), John’s identical twin brother.
Following a highly successful first instalment, the show was renewed for a second season by the BBC in October, with Mitchell – who previously starred in Peep Show – sharing with Radio Times that he was pleasantly surprised by the praise.
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"You always hope things will go that well, but no, I've never done a thing that has resonated with an audience so quickly," he said. "I've done things that I'm really proud of, but it felt like what TV must have been like in the 1980s: it was on and a week later everyone knew about it.
"I don't know [why it was so successful]. I'm not going to say [this] myself. It's really well written, there's an appetite for that type of programme. I think the BBC supported it very well, put it on at a time of year that people were really up for that show.
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"Hopefully it was a good version of that kind of show, it was what people wanted at that point. It's definitely a different fanbase to Peep Show. And just really nice enthusiasm, they just had a good time watching – that's the point of making a TV show."
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Mitchell, who has also served as a team captain on Would I Lie to You?, previously explained what drew him to the show, sharing: "Some of my happiest viewing memories are as a child watching Miss Marple with Joan Hickson.
"I think when it can have a comic spin as well, that's even better, because I like a murder mystery puzzle, a whodunnit, but I don't love watching things that are horrific and gritty and sort of remind you of the frailty of human life."
Ludwig airs on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
