Martin Freeman Reveals Accent Secrets Behind The Responder

Martin Freeman, the versatile British actor known for his roles in The Office and Sherlock, has once again demonstrated his dedication to his craft, this time by fully immersing himself in the world of Liverpool for his acclaimed performance in the BBC series The Responder. Speaking candidly on the January 16, 2026 episode of The Graham Norton Show, Freeman, now 54, revealed the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to master the notoriously tricky Scouse accent—a feat that has won him both critical acclaim and the respect of Liverpudlians themselves.

"I'm not a w**** actor, but I actually stayed in the accent all day. It's a muscle and very physical and I didn't want to watch it in a year's time and be thinking, 'I could have worked harder,'" Freeman admitted during his appearance on the BBC One talk show, which aired at 10:40 p.m. on both BBC One and iPlayer. His comments, delivered with characteristic humility and self-awareness, shed light on the intense preparation required to convincingly portray PC Chris Carson, the troubled protagonist of The Responder.

Freeman's commitment to authenticity extended well beyond the set. As he told The ECHO, "Whatever accent you're doing, or where your character is from, you always give it your best. I was always very aware that this could go either way because if you're in this city doing that part and they don't like it, then you'll know." The risk paid off: viewers and critics alike hailed his Liverpool accent as one of the best ever performed by someone not native to the city. Freeman himself was touched by the positive reception, saying, "The way this city has taken the show and what I'm doing to its heart has been really lovely. Liverpool has been so nice to us but it generally has to me as an outsider."

The series itself, created by former Merseyside Police officer Tony Schumacher, delves deep into the gritty realities of policing in Liverpool. Schumacher's firsthand experience brought an extra layer of authenticity to the drama, which quickly became a hit among audiences and critics. Yet, despite its success and the anticipation for more, fans received disappointing news last year: The Responder will not be returning for a third series anytime soon. According to an insider quoted by The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column, "The BBC are really invested in the series but due to schedules the show has had to be put on ice. Tony is currently working on another project but there is hope a third series will be made at some point in the future."

The decision to rest the show was attributed to scheduling issues rather than a lack of enthusiasm. This has left the door open for a potential return, something both Schumacher and Freeman have expressed interest in—provided the creative conditions are right. Freeman, ever the thoughtful artist, told Collider, "The show feels like something outside of us now. It's something we wouldn't want to mess up, as a separate entity from ourselves, almost. But as Tony said, I think if it was absolutely right and genuinely an artistically good idea to do more, then absolutely."

Freeman's philosophy on revisiting roles is emblematic of his broader approach to acting: a blend of rigorous preparation, respect for the material, and a keen awareness of audience expectations. This attitude has served him well across a career that has seen him inhabit a wide range of characters, from the everyman Tim in The Office to the brilliant Dr. Watson in Sherlock. In each case, Freeman's performances are marked by a subtlety and depth that have made him one of Britain's most respected actors.

While The Responder may be on hiatus, Freeman has not been idle. Recently, he took on the role of Superintendent Battle in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, a Netflix mystery series set in the 1920s. Describing the experience as "great fun," Freeman shared with The Graham Norton Show audience, "I didn't know these characters as they are from the early novels. The story is set in a weird place in time. It is the Roaring Twenties, which was mired in the grief and loss of World War I. It has an authentic '20s voice that still feels good to our modern ears. It is funny and moving and was great fun to do."

Seven Dials offers Freeman a chance to flex his acting muscles in a very different setting, one steeped in the complex social and emotional aftermath of World War I. The series is noted for its blend of period authenticity and contemporary resonance—a combination that seems to suit Freeman's talents perfectly. His portrayal of Superintendent Battle has already garnered early praise, with viewers noting his ability to inhabit the era's distinct mannerisms and speech patterns while still connecting with modern audiences.

Freeman's willingness to dive headfirst into challenging roles, whether it's mastering a regional accent or stepping into the shoes of a classic literary detective, is a testament to his enduring appeal. As he reflected on his process, he emphasized the importance of not cutting corners: "It's a muscle and very physical and I didn't want to watch it in a year's time and be thinking, 'I could have worked harder.'" That ethos, it seems, is the secret behind his consistently compelling performances.

For fans of The Responder, the news that the show is on pause is undoubtedly disappointing. Yet, the hope remains that Freeman and Schumacher will find the right moment and inspiration to return to the gritty streets of Liverpool. Until then, viewers can look forward to seeing Freeman in new and unexpected roles—always delivered with the same meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt commitment that have become his trademarks.

As The Graham Norton Show episode wrapped up, it was clear that Freeman's dedication had not gone unnoticed. His journey from the halls of Dunder Mifflin to the shadowy alleys of Liverpool, and now to the grand drawing rooms of 1920s England, continues to captivate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. And if his recent comments are any indication, Martin Freeman isn’t slowing down—he’s just getting started.