CAN YOU SUM UP WHAT VIEWERS CAN EXPECT FROM SERIES THREE?
Amanda: I think in series three we've found the right place for the drama. It is more challenging and the storylines more hard-hitting. It's grittier but that also allows the more comedic moments to be lighter as well, because that's life.
I think that the balance is absolutely right. They are interesting stories, which are relevant to India but will definitely resonate with the British audience as well. I'm really proud of this series.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ACID ATTACK SCENES BEING SHOWN IN AN 8PM SHOW?
Neil: At 8 o'clock, it's probably a bit raw. But, it's such an impactful thing. We've all met people who have been victims of accidents, burns victims etc. I've met many a soldier who's been through an awful lot of things and come through, but you don't see the initial attack.
And that's what I think is so special about this [storyline], because you see how quickly it impacts on a person's life. You see how quickly her life has been turned around with the throw of a bottle. I've never seen that in any other programme.
HAS IT BROUGHT BACK PAINFUL MEMORIES FOR YOU, AMANDA?
A: It certainly brought back memories of operations. The actress playing Jyoti was terrific. And I just thought, 'Christ, feeling that pain must have been awful for me'. But I don't remember it [the accident] at all.
I took them down to the hospital where I was [the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead] to meet the specialists, who were just great. We would literally be phoning them up from Sri Lanka saying, 'Have we got this right?' And they'd go, 'No, you need to change that, that doesn't quite work'. It was really good. It was important for East Grinstead too. They want people to know the reality of it, because they have to deal with it on a day to day basis.
GREG'S DAUGHTER TOMMY TURNS UP OUT OF THE BLUE...
N: When she first arrives, she stays at Greg and Lydia's place. Greg and Tommy are making all kinds of plans, what they're going to do at the weekend, where they're going to go etc. But she takes off the very next morning, leaving a note. He is horribly disappointed, and a bit upset but tries not to show it, which is difficult for Greg; he wears his heart on his sleeve.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT LYDIA AND GREG'S RELATIONSHIP THIS SERIES?
N: It's not, 'Is he going to leave her?' It's not, 'Will they, won't they?' Yes, there's going to be niggles and arguments and rows and differences of opinion - like normal couples. And that's what we try to demonstrate.
When his daughter turns up, Lydia sees a whole new side of Greg, which is going to strengthen them. She has to go and resolve the situation when Greg gets very upset.
WHAT STORYLINES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE SHOW TACKLE IN THE FUTURE?
N: I really wanted to explore Greg's past, so that happened with the daughter. I'd like to go further with that, for sure. Also, we'd love to see something that really upsets Lydia – not makes her angry, not puts her out of kilter, but something that really hits at her core.
A: Lydia has got a wall up. I think she's been hurt. I think there's a hell of a lot about both people that we don't know. They're the age they are, so they've got baggage.
:: Good Karma Hospital airs on ITV on Sunday March 15
