Marshall Lancaster plays the over-cautious DC Chris Skelton in Ashes To Ashes, the crime drama set in London circa 1981. He’s a bit of a geek at heart and loves the advancing technology of the Eighties, but he also likes to play the tough guy whenever he can, although always in the shadow of DCI Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) and DS Ray Carling (Dean Andrews).

Chris still likes to think of himself as one of the boys, but he has a love interest in the form of WPC “Shaz” Granger (Montserrat Lombard) and he knows that she won’t stand for the boys’ sexist, backward opinions. So, he often changes his tune when she’s around, much to Ray’s disgust. Marshall talks to Programme Information about practical jokes, skinny jeans and Chris falling in love…

How does Chris fit into the CID team?

Chris is a natural dogsbody, eager to please and loyal to Gene Hunt. It is only the arrival of DI Drake (Keeley Hawes) that upsets the “normal” running of CID. Chris is eager to learn, but avoids work when possible. He enjoys practical jokes and is easily led.

What’s his relationship with Shaz like?

I think Chris has an interesting relationship with Shaz as I think she genuinely loves Chris; he becomes her hero after rescuing her in episode one. Shaz is a “modern” Eighties woman, however, and won’t stand for any sexism or homophobic comments and makes Chris suffer accordingly.

When Shaz takes him out clubbing, viewers see a more “daring” side to him, fashion-wise. Does he do this just to impress her or has there always been a more adventurous side to him?

I think Chris does anything to please Shaz and is prepared to take risks for her. She brings the daring side out in Chris. I think he is also desperate to bed her!

How does Chris deal with life in the Met and working for a female DI?

Chris adapted to working in London very well. Wherever Gene goes, Chris follows, and London and the Met are no exception. I think Chris accepts Drake as his superior very well – and who wouldn’t.

Did you enjoy filming the action scenes?

We could not wipe the smiles off our faces filming the scenes on the boat speeding down the Thames. I could not actually believe that I would have a moment like that in my acting career… I was wearing shades, carrying a gun! The strange thing is, nobody batted an eyelid when they saw us, which was worrying!

What were your favourite scenes to film?

In one scene there’s an Eighties “A-Team” shoot-out with bullets flying everywhere, but no one ever gets hurt! I love filming the scenes in the Audi and the first time we arrive in episode one in that car is magic.

How did you find the Eighties costumes?

I didn’t enjoy the costumes so much this time round. My jeans were so skinny I was scared to sit down in them and had to stay off the pies.

Have there been any funny stories on set?

In one scene later on in the series, my character Chris has to search down the toilet bowl in a Portaloo for a hidden gun, so Jonny Campbell [director] and I came up with a plan where I pulled a Mars Bar out instead, much to the surprise of the gang!

What are your memories of the Eighties?

I remember TV programmes like The Muppets, The A-Team and The Fall Guy. The Rubik’s Cube drove me mad. Oh, and I remember Pacers, those green-and-white sweets. Nice!