Character: Simon Walker
Actor: Laurence Fox
Episode: War Games

Laurence Fox describes Foyle's War as his favourite job so far.

"I play Simon Walker who's a manipulator. He was quite a nice guy but he grew up in an environment that changed him into someone who uses other people. His mother died when he was growing up and the rest of his family have encouraged his dependency and anti-Semitic views."

Laurence attributes Simon's scheming character to the death of his mother.

"I like playing the bad guys but it's good to give them some humanity. Simon's very vulnerable and he allowed fascist views to dominate him because of losing his mum. The world allowed his mum to die unfairly and I think he is already dead in a strange way.

"I liked the idea of him being a closeted lunatic and I really enjoyed playing him. I loved working with Michael Kitchen - if I could bottle how he holds an audience I know I could make a fortune!"

At the age of 25, Laurence is already successful on both stage and screen. He appeared in the Oscar-winning film Gosford Park, which he filmed in his third year at RADA, and The Hole, filmed in his second year. Recent film work includes South From Granada and Deathwatch.

Laurence's TV work includes Ultimate Force. Before Foyle's War he appeared in Peter Hall's acclaimed production of Mrs Warren's Profession. He is currently filming a leading role in a new ITV drama Island at War.

"In Island At War I play the good guy. The production is about the Channel Islands being invaded by the Germans in the Second World War. I am playing Bernhardt, and having seen Alan Howard's performance as a German in Foyle's War, I'm afraid I am stealing right out of his book of how to play a German.

"We're filming on the Isle of Man, which is great for me as I'm a bike freak. I ride a Honda CVR600 and of course the TT course is on the island. I also play piano and guitar and I write music and scripts. It's good to be stretched in every way."

Laurence has picked up the odd tip along the way from his father, acclaimed actor James Fox.

"My parents give me support throughout the process and get involved. I couldn't be happier and consider myself fantastically lucky to be offered good parts. I imagine that the way to have a good career is to do the best you can in every opportunity you are given and value what comes your way."

October 2003; Publicity Release