IN CONVERSATION WITH KATHERINE DEVLIN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Katherine Devlin is an Irish actress best known for her breakout role as Constable Annie Conlon in the BAFTA TV Award–winning BBC drama ‘Blue Lights’. Set in the complex landscape of modern-day Belfast, the series has been praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and gripping storytelling, with Devlin’s performance at its heart. As the show prepares to return for its third season — with a fourth already confirmed — Devlin continues to earn critical acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of a rookie officer grappling with the personal and professional toll of frontline policing. With additional standout roles in ‘The Day of the Jackal’, ‘Vikings’, and ‘The Dig’, she is fast becoming one of the UK and Ireland’s most compelling emerging talents.

dress WANNES AKOP
shoes GIA BORGHINI
necklace and earrings ANNA ROSSI

Annie has become a fan-favourite character in ‘Blue Lights’. What can audiences expect from her in Season 3?

Annie has found her footing in the job but that stability has come at a steep personal cost. The demands of the work have bled into every corner of her life, leaving her home life strained. As her mum's health deteriorates, the pressure intensifies, pushing her into increasingly risky choices and forcing her to confront the reality of a future where she may be entirely on her own. This season fans can expect Annie to be pulled in multiple, conflicting directions. She is tested in ways she's never been before and the cracks between her private and professional life are impossible to ignore. She continues to shoulder an incredibly demanding role that takes as much from her personally as it does professionally.

Without giving away spoilers, how has Annie evolved since we first met her in Season 1?

She's evolved so much. While she still has that instinctive, reactive side, that guttural energy that makes her who she is, she's really come into her own and matured alongside the job. What's been so rewarding is having the chance to grow with her and to really flesh her out as a full person. 

This season in particular, Annie is being tested in extraordinary ways. She's operating with a constant and quiet hyper-vigilance, carrying the weight of the job while at the same time facing huge challenges at home. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pressure never lets up. There's no real space for her stop, reflect or catch her breath. She's forced to keep moving, keep adapting and that in itself reveals so much about who she is becoming.

dress and shoes NINA RICCI
earrings HEAVEN MAYHEM

‘Blue Lights’ is praised for its authenticity and grit. How do you prepare mentally and physically for such an intense role?

Having my own space and feeling settled is really important to me, so I make a point of getting home regularly to ease back into the season. I always stock up on plenty of ginger shots to get through the long shoots and loads of fluffy pjs are a must. Bonus points if my accommodation has a bath.

The show tackles policing in a complex political and cultural environment. What has playing a Catholic officer in Belfast taught you, either personally or professionally?

Annie being Catholic is hugely significant. I did a lot of research into the political and historical context and it’s fascinating. To this day, Catholics make up only about 32% of the PSNI. It’s a clear under-representation and there are many complex reasons behind that. One of the biggest being a deep mistrust from Catholic communities towards the force, going back to the RUC and the Troubles. What struck me most was realising the enormous personal sacrifices Catholics make when they choose to join the force.

full look VALENTINO

How does it feel knowing ‘Blue Lights’ has already been renewed for a fourth season?

It’s epic. I'm back working with my pals, which is something I’m always so grateful for.

Your performance is often described as ‘quietly powerful’ and emotionally nuanced. How do you tap into that subtle emotional depth?

Thank you, that’s such a thoughtful compliment. I think Annie has embodied that energy from day one on the page. It’s a kind of silent but deadly force of energy. For me, movement is always my way into a character, but when you have really gorgeous writing that’s drenched in subtext, it gives you so much to play and have fun with. You can lean into those moments and let the lines be open to interpretation. I think surrendering, listening, and allowing the text and subtext to guide you is so important. Trying to control the outcome is a killer. The beauty is always in the spontaneity and play.

What kind of roles or stories are you most drawn to now as your career evolves?

I absolutely love Mia Goth and Margaret Qualley. They’re incredible actors. I think female-led films and shows are where it’s at right now. And honestly, we need so many more female directors and producers in the mix. Give me dark psychological thrillers, and gothic, gothic, gothic.

With projects like ‘Vikings’, ‘The Dig’, and now ‘Blue Lights’, you’ve played a wide range of women. How do you choose your roles?

For me, it always comes down to the writing and well-rounded characters. I find myself naturally drawn to Irish characters and stories. I’ve met some of the most fascinating Irish people with the most incredible stories to tell.

full look VALENTINO

With ‘Blue Lights’ and other major projects under your belt, what’s next for you? Any dream collaborations or genres you’d love to explore?

I love Andrea Arnold, Robert Eggers, and Darren Aronofsky. I’m definitely drawn to darker, more emotional films. I tend to go for sad stories, but then again, I cry at just about everything. I’m a big romantic.  I’m a huge fan of Ethan Hawke and ‘The Before Trilogy’, and I adore the French film ‘The Piano Teacher’. And Léa Seydoux and Michelle Williams. I think they’re both extraordinary. Can’t forget them. 

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about acting or navigating the industry, what would it be?

Prioritise mastering your craft and really lean into what makes you uniquely you. You’re never going to feel completely ready for anything. That’s part of the journey. The most important thing is to show up, learn, and keep learning.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography DAVID REISS
hair SOPHIE SUGARMAN
makeup BROOKE SIMONS at Caren using Charlotte Tilbury 
styling KIRSTY STEWART