Down the Line: a Secret Army podcast

Christmas Special 2025 - Interview with Paul Shelley

In this special festive edition of Down the Line your hosts wish you a merry Christmas before AJ tries Calvados for the very first time!
Their festive message is followed by an interview with the fantastic Paul Shelley who played Major Bradley in the second and third series of Secret Army. Paul enthusiastically remembers playing Bradley, his first appearance in Lucky Piece and his return for four episodes in 1979 which proved controversial with some members of the cast. As well as memories of his fellow actors and directors, he also recalls elements of the series that are major spoilers, so don't listen until you've seen the whole series!
We are incredibly grateful to Paul for sharing his memories and time with us and ask, if you enjoyed this interview, that you might consider donating to his chosen charity: the Actors' Children's Trust:  and quote 'Secret Army' if you donate. You can donate online: https://actorschildren.org/ or by phone: 020 4591 8585. Thank you.
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Guests at God's Table and A Matter of Life and Death which are in preparation.
Thank you, as ever, for listening and for coming down the line with us. And please do share our content wherever you see it. Happy Christmas!
We are back in the New Year with a return to our regular review episodes.
Next Time: Little Old Lady

Interview with Daniel Hill

In another special bonus interview episode AJ interviews the wonderful Daniel Hill who appeared in two episodes of Secret Army: Too Near Home and The Big One. In the latter he played Flt. Sgt. Bert Lewis, the airman who encounters Brandt shortly after the death of his wife and son. As well as recalling shooting that memorable scene he remembers in some detail what it was like to work with actors, Michael Culver, Bernard Hepton, Clifford Rose,  directors Viktors Ritelis and Michael E. Briant, writer N. J. Crisp and producer Gerry Glaister.
But there's so much more to this interview than Secret Army, Daniel also discusses working with Tom Baker and Lalla Ward on the lost Doctor Who story Shada, the thriller serial Blood Money and playing Tom Redburn in the opening episodes of Tenko. Finally he also describes how he left drama behind for comedy and Gerry Glaister's reaction to that news...
We are so grateful to Daniel for sharing his memories and time with us and ask, if you enjoyed this interview, that you might consider donating to his chosen charity: the Actors' Children's Trust:  and quote 'Secret Army' if you donate. You can donate online: https://actorschildren.org/ or by phone: 020 4591 8585. Thank you.
We are back on Christmas Day with festive cheer and another interview, this time Paul Shelley who played Major Nick Bradley. Exciting huh?!
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Guests at God's Table and A Matter of Life and Death which are in preparation.
Thank you, as ever, for listening and for coming down the line with us. And please do share our content wherever you see it.
Next Time: Christmas Special interview with Paul Shelley

Series 2, Episode 8: The Big One

This month AJ and Andy turn their attention to one of the most highly regarded episodes of the second series: N J Crisp's The Big One. Berlin is 'The Big One' and it is a bombing raid on that city brings tragedy to Major Brandt. The pair discuss how Michael Culver gives an intimate and brilliant performance as the distraught Major who is already torn between loyalty to his country and his family's future before his world collapses around him.
Elsewhere they follow the developing relationship between Kessler and Madeleine as the later emerges from her depression and can only see kindness in the Sturmbannfuhrer, despite being aware that she and her new love both need illusions. 
They are alos joined by Chris Richards at intervals who draws comparisons between the narrative and the Len Deighton book Bomber and also shares his journey to Secret Army and particular affinity for Brandt. 
Andy's partner Ryan correctly guesses that this is the first instalment of Secret Army helmed by a new director, Michael E. Briant who he feels approaches the episode as a mini feature film. Andy also notes Briant's love of a camera sweep, archive footage and how he came to edit and publish Briant's autobiography: Who is Michael E. Briant? (4 out of 5 stars on Amazon - what a great Christmas present! https://bit.ly/Briant)
AJ and Andy also continue their obsession with the Candide's waiting staff: Claudine is no more and has been replaced by dodgy 'George', while Trisha Clarke is a catalyst for a brief sing-along. 
All of this and funny Foley too. With trains, car, ducks and a cow all making themselves heard, often at the most inopportune moments.
But really its all about those final scenes when Brandt breaks and increasingly frenetically demands of Bert Lewis: 'Where's the farm?!'
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Guests at God's Table and A Matter of Life and Death which are in preparation.
Thank you, as ever, for listening and for coming down the line with us.
Next Time: Interview Daniel Hill (Flt Sgt Bert Lewis)
...and on Christmas Day: Interview with Paul Shelley (Major Bradley)
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Documentary on Michael Culver's political activism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mToyl2E4uRs
Frank Tolley: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/frank-tolley 

Interview with Paul Wagar

In today's bonus episode of 'Down the Line' AJ interviews Paul Wagar who played evader Peter Harris in the episode Weekend (which we reviewed in our last episode). He recalls how he got the role, his memories of a very smooth and professional production process, and how the experience taught him the value of editing to elevate performances.
Aside from his work on Secret Army he recalls his time with the RSC, his brush with the original Star Wars trilogy, and the loss of his beloved dog Chet.
If you enjoy this interview please consider making a donation of any amount you wish to Paul's chosen charity which is the PDSA, a charity for pets in need. You can donate at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/ or call them on 0300 3737 224. Thank you!
 
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Little Old Lady and Guests at God's Table which are in preparation.
 
Thanks as ever for listening and for your feedback. It is very much appreciated!
 
Next Time: The Big One

Series 2, Episode 7: Weekend

When two American evaders kidnap Kessler and hold him aboard Hans Von Broecken's barge Lifeline's agents inevitably become involved and tragedy ensues. This episode, written and directed by Paul Annett, weaves together: Nazi art theft - with both Albert and Monique, and Kessler on the trail of a priceless Rubens painting; the return of our favourite bargee and his wife - Hans and Lena; and the rash actions of two scared Americans, in a complex but enjoyable episode of Secret Army.
As well as exploring Weekend's key themes AJ and Andy ponder Monique's family background, Madame Desmartes's metaphor, that 'difficult period' between Jesus's crucifixion and entombment, and the whereabouts of waitress Genevieve. They also discuss the passing of the golden era of chocolate boxes, the impact of 'Allo! 'Allo! on Secret Army, and who actually wrote the 'Evening at Le Candide' theatre evening - was it Andy or Angela?
The Czech film adaptation of the Lidice story is available on DVD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lidice-DVD/dp/B009V1W9OE. There are also many books published about the incident including 'A Little Village Called Lidice' by Zdena Trinka (1947), available on Kindle: 
If you want to view William Wyler's 'Memphis Belle' documentary, which is about the Flying Fortresses featured in this episode, it has been made available by the American Library of Congress on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW4F_ZMrS3A
On a lighter note, if you want to reacquaint yourself with Weekend chocolates then go here: https://projectswordtoys.blogspot.com/2022/11/weekend-by-mackintosh.html
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Little Old Lady and Guests at God's Table which are in preparation.
Thank you, as ever, for listening and for coming down the line with us.
Next Time: AJ interviews Paul Wagar (who played evader Peter Harris in this episode)
 

Interview with Hazel McBride

In today's special episode of 'Down the Line' AJ interviews Hazel McBride who played Madeleine Duclos in the second and third series of Secret Army. Hazel shares how she won the role, her memories of playing opposite Clifford Rose, recording in the studio and filming on location, and what she has been doing since Secret Army. 
If you enjoyed this interview please consider making a donation of any amount you wish to Hazel's chosen charity which is the Actors' Benevolent Fund, a charity which supports actors and stage managers experiencing hardship due to injury, illness, or old age.
 The website is www.actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk/support and you can also reach them by calling 020 7836 6378. When making a donation, please quote "Secret Army Podcast Hazel McBride Interview". This will help the charity link donations together. Thank you!
 
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Little Old Lady and Guests at God's Table which are in preparation.
 
Next Time: Weekend

Series 2, Episode 6: Scorpion

AJ and Andy review the second season episode Scorpion in which Brandt is joined in Brussels by his wife Erika, and Albert learns that the Line has been compromised by another infiltrator. Ultimately, it is none other than Hans Van Broecken who is enlisted to unmask the fake evader.
As well as thoroughly enjoying the arrival of guest star Brigitte Kahn, your hosts discuss the episode's many couples, the glorious Madame Van Artevelde, the sets by Austin Ruddy. and its expertly handled themes such as change, class, and dignity.
As usual we also hear from Ryan after he watches the episode for the very first time and Alex who has a very different take on Scorpion to AJ and Andy...
Elsewhere, AJ details their visit to the immersive exhibit at the Avro Heritage Museum:  https://www.avroheritagemuseum.co.uk/ and the experiences of Bomb Aimer Frank Tolley: https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/frank-tolley
 
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes The Big One and Little Old Lady which are in preparation.
Thank you for listening and for coming down the line with us again.Next Time: Weekend

Series 2, Episode 5: Not According to Plan

AJ and Andy review the series two episode in which Natalie and her new boyfriend Francois are injured when a communist group blows up the train on which they are travelling. These Brussels-based communists are led by Paul Vercors who it transpires is determined to take over Lifeline via Max Brocard. 
For this David Crane-scripted and Viktors Ritelis-directed episode AJ and Andy find themselves conducting impromptu investigations into: the communist's terrible plan; the sudden introduction of Francois; and the portrayal of the Belgian black market.  Elsewhere they explore the development of Albert and Monique's relationship, the fate and travels of a perfume box and discuss their 'least 5' favourite episodes of Secret Army, of which this is most definitely one.
As well as hearing from Alex and Ryan on their thoughts we hear from Belgian Peter Thiebaut on his memories of the series.
We also mark the passing of Andree Dumon, the last survivor of the Comete Line, the evasion network on which Lifeline is based: https://heldenvanhetverzet.be/artikels/in-memoriam-andree-nadine-dumon-1922-2025-english-version
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Weekend and The Big One which are in preparation. Thank you!
Next Time: Scorpion

Series 2, Episode 4: Trapped

This month AJ and Andy are thrilled to be joined on the podcast by writer Joseph (Joe) Lidster as they discuss the legendary series two episode Trapped, penned by N (Norman) J Crisp. 
If you need a reminder, it's the episode in which Monique is shot while down the line and has to be rescued by her Lifeline colleagues before Kessler arrives and identifies her. 
Joe explains how he came to watch Secret Army during lockdown and specifically why he fell in love with the character of Monique and the fact that the show eventually becomes her story. From his perspective as a writer he also celebrates how unique each character is, with Madeleine, introduced in this episode, being a great example. 
Other aspects of the show discussed in this episode include: background noises in the Candide; hat-action; eating and smoking in hospital; women being bored by men; a surplus of courgettes; and how, in Joe's opinion, N J Crisp effectively created Secret Army!
We also hear, as usual, from Ryan and from Adam Wright who first became acquainted with the series on Talking Pictures. 
Joe Lidster can be found at: https://linktr.ee/josephlidster 
The book AJ mentions is Belgium in the Second World War: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Belgium-Second-World-Jean-Michel-Veranneman/dp/1783376074
The faded Netherlands Ry Wagons-Lits railway poster seen behind Natalie in this episode (and which has subsequently been purchased by Ryan for Andy) is at the top of this webpage and in full further down the page: https://retours.eu/en/60-bagdatopoulos-railway-posters/ 
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Scorpion and Weekend which are in preparation. Thank you!
Next Time: Not According to Plan

Series 2, Episode 3: Lucky Piece

When a Polish scientist needs to be operated on and rescued from Belgium, his handler, a British agent called Bradley encounters Lifeline. When he discovers that Natalie is being tailed by the Germans he elects to intervene...
This month AJ and Andy review Juliet Hammond's favourite episode, the Natalie-centric Lucky Piece, in which we first meet maverick secret agent Nick Bradley played by Paul Shelley. The pair debate the episode's potential chauvinism,  how Natalie is depicted, and the directorial choices made by Viktors Ritelis.
Elsewhere, Andy is excited to share a new location find, while AJ debates if Bradley is a cat person or not.
We also hear from Andy's partner, Ryan; Alex Wilcock; and our end credits guest: Dr Madeleine Jowett. 
The book that AJ mentions is 'London 1945' by Maureen Waller.
If you would like to contact us then please email us on, or send a voicenote to: secretarmypod@gmail.com or send us a message on Bluesky: AJ is on secretarmypod.bsky.social while Andy can be found at andypodding.bsky.social. AJ is also still on Twitter at @secretarmypod. We'd love to hear from you, especially your takes on the Series 2 episodes Scorpion and Weekend which are in preparation. Thank you!
Next Time: Trapped (with special guest Joe Lidster)