Character: Paul Milner
Actor: Anthony Howell
Episode: All Episodes
Milner abandoned his career in the police force in order to be one of the first men to enlist. He was also one of the first to be injured, losing a leg in the disastrous campaign at Trondheim. Now he is back in the force and gradually coming to terms with his injuries. Foyle believes he is a gifted officer and his trust has paid off, with Milner becoming a vital member of the team. But Milner's home life is less settled. His wife Jane left him after being unable to accept his disability, and Milner realises he will have to look elsewhere for love.
December, 2007; Publicity Release
Anthony Howell has two precious souvenirs of his role as Sergeant Paul Milner in Foyle's War- a name plaque and a home-made baby- grow!
In the new series Milner, now happily married to Edith, is looking forward to the birth of their first child. Sam, played by Honeysuckle Weeks, makes a baby grow from an old blanket for the new baby.
"The baby-grow was so badly made by Sam, it was hysterical. I just had to have it as a souvenir," says Anthony. Also it symbolises the end of the series and the next chapter for me, so it was the perfect reminder. I have it displayed on the wall in my study.
"I also have the DS Milner name plaque which was on my office door in the police station set. I've put that on the door of my study.
"I don't have children, but my sister is expecting her second baby in November, so I am looking forward to being an uncle again. I may even present her with the baby-grow."
Anthony was delighted to return to the role of Sergeant Milner, and admits there is a lot of himself in the character.
"There are a lot of my characteristics in Sergeant Milner, and what I concentrated on was my relationship with Foyle. Milner really looks up to Foyle. The off screen relationship I have with Michael Kitchen is the same. I greatly respect Michael as an actor, and as a man as a friend.
"Hopefully, Milner and I are both intelligent, thoughtful human beings. Sometimes Milner can be a bit too serious but that's why it's great to have a character like Sam because I always loosened up a bit when Honeysuckle was around as I can be a bit serious too.
"Milner is quite an intense and serious chap and I think I can be. But I think, like me, if Milner had a few drinks he would probably be a bit more relaxed.
"I think as time has gone on you become the character. The lines become more and more blurred as the years go by. You find it much easier to play the character, as you are playing yourself with a set of given circumstances."
"I like to think I'm a bit more fun than Milner. It's a police series so you obviously don't get to see him relaxing in front of the radio, kicking back with a can of beer!
"I don't look as smart as Milner. I spend most of my time off doing up my house and garden, so I'm usually wearing combats covered in paint! Some days the make up artists had to remove gloss paint from my hair before they could prepare me for filming."
Sergeant Paul Milner abandoned his career in the police force in order to be one of the first men to enlist. He was also one of the first to be injured, losing a leg in the disastrous campaign at Trondheim. He returned to the force and came to terms with his injuries.
"I watched a few episodes of Foyle's War before we started filming the new series to get myself back into it. But we've all been doing it for long enough, and know each other well enough to slot back into place.
"What's nice about doing this series is being able to submerge myself into the 1940s. I like doing period work because the attention to detail and the world they create is fantastic to work in.
"My grandfather was around at that time and he loved Foyle's War. He wasn't active in either war but he found it all very authentic. The art department do a great job and the scripts are rich with information and quirks about the war.
In the last series Milner faced the trauma of the tragic death of his wife, and the shock of being accused of killing her. All the evidence pointed to him.
Fortunately for Milner, his boss Foyle (Michael Kitchen) was not prepared to accept the guilt of his sergeant without question.
"Since the beginning, we have built up Milner, like Foyle and Sam, as a character that stands for all that is good. He has real integrity and I don't think he would resort to anything like murder. But to be a policeman accused of murdering his wife - it couldn't get much worse than that. It was probably the lowest point in his life since he came back from losing a leg in Norway."
Life is looking much better for Milner in the new series. Happily married, with a baby on the way, Milner is also aiming for promotion. But it will mean a move from Hastings and a parting of the ways for him and Foyle.
"I'm upset that I won't see Michael and Honeysuckle and the crew of Foyle's War again. I know all good things must come to an end, but knowing that didn't make it any easier when we played our last scenes for this series.
"I feel incredibly privileged as an actor that I've been able to do such good work over the last ten years, six of those have been with Foyle's War."
February, 2007; Publicity Release
There's a shock in store for Anthony Howell in the new series of Foyle's War when his character Sgt Milner is suspected of killing his wife.
Explains Anthony: "On paper he looks like the perfect suspect. His estranged wife Jane comes back into his life and they have an argument. Soon afterwards she is killed, there's blood on his shirt and he has no alibi. All the evidence points at him."
Luckily for Milner, his boss Foyle (Michael Kitchen) is not prepared to accept the guilt of his sergeant without question.
"Since the beginning, we have built up Milner, like Foyle and Sam, as a character that stands for all that is good. He has real integrity and I don't think he would resort to anything like murder.
But to be a policeman accused of murdering his wife - it couldn't get much worse than that. It's probably the lowest point in his life since he came back from losing a leg in Norway."
In contrast, Anthony himself is delighted with the turn of events.
"It's great for me to have strong storylines for Milner. He's emerged out of his shadow after dealing with Norway and his wife leaving him. He's getting stuck into things and he's not frightened.
"He has to deal with the death of his ex-wife and with how that affects his new relationship with Edith. He's almost divorced but not quite, and he's upset when Edith says she would understand him killing Jane, although she is only trying to support him."
Over five series, Anthony has grown to respect his Foyle's War character.
"It's lovely to play somebody with a strong sense of what is right and proper, even though war throws up so many grey areas.
The police work cuts across the loophole area of the war, where people can commit a murder and get away with it because they are doing something for the government. Foyle and Milner are forced to compromise but they never do it out of choice.
"I like to think I'm a bit more fun than him, though. It's a police series so you obviously don't get to see him relaxing in front of the radio, kicking back with a can of beer! I think I look fantastic as Milner but I spend most of my time off doing up my house so I'm usually wearing combats covered in paint!"
Anthony needed little preparation to return to the role, having recently appeared in the West End in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, set in 1938.
"I watch a few episodes of Foyle's War to get myself back into it, but we've all been doing it for long enough and know each other well enough to slot back into place.
What's nice about doing this series is being able to submerge myself into the 1940s. I like doing period work because the attention to detail and the world they create is fantastic to work in.
"My grandfather was around at that time and he loved Foyle's War. He wasn't active in either war but he found it all very authentic.
The art department do a great job and the scripts are rich with information and quirks about the war. It's getting more difficult to get good scripts so anything of quality you grab."
Anthony made his acting debut on a world tour with Robert Lepage's Geometry of Miracles. His TV credits include Wives and Daughters, Hawking, The Other Boleyn Girl, Ultimate Force and Helen West.
January, 2006; Publicity Release
Viewers of Foyle's War will see a new side to Milner, according to actor Anthony Howell.
"Both new films have a nice personal angle for Milner. He gets angry because of the unnecessary death of a friend. He shows his passionate side when he feels injustice. He's not always the mild-mannered sergeant who takes it all in his stride. He's been through the wars in every respect after his injury and divorce, but now the new Milner is starting to emerge."
Milner lost a leg in the battle of Trondheim, an incident which he is brutally reminded of in the first episode, Invasion.
Explains Anthony: "He meets up with Will Grayson, the chap who pulled him to safety in the war but the very same night Will is killed in a house fire. Milner's shaken but instinctively knows that something's not quite right. He starts to investigate from a sense of gratitude for what Will did for him, and in the end, his effort is vindicated and his instinct proves quite true."
But there are some happier times in store for Milner in the second film, Bad Blood.
"After a murder on the south coast, an old flame called Edith comes to see him because her brother has been accused. It's outside Foyle's jurisdiction but Milner gets Foyle to listen to her. Milner and Edith start to see each other but, although it gets very complicated, it has a happy ending. It would be nice if the storyline continues."
Adds Anthony: "It's lovely that Anthony Horowitz is writing Milner some romance. He's always doing his job but this shows his human side and it's good for audiences to learn more about his character."
Anthony was delighted to be back working with co-stars Michael Kitchen and Honeysuckle Weeks.
"We are like a big family now. Honeysuckle and I are great friends and I think it's because we're so different. I'm reserved but she's effervescent and light and joyous to be around. When you meet someone like that you rub a few of the corners off each other.
"I'm really proud to be a part of Foyle's War. I have spoken to so many people who absolutely love it. I think it moves people because it's such an important period of our history. The darkness counter-pointed with the hope that it won't last another year - that's what Anthony writes so well.
"By the middle of the war things were really getting rough - not just the threat of being bombed but the lack of everything - but the British managed to find courage in such adversity. You can't help but be humbled by that."
Anthony has hardly stopped working this year. After Foyle's War was filmed he appeared in the play Lifeblood about Mary, Queen of Scots, and recently made his West End debut in another wartime drama Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, alongside Tara Fitzgerald, Gemma Jones, Richard Johnson and Graham Crowden.
"The play runs until February then I'm back into Foyle's War. I'm not free until May but I can't complain. My main wish after this series was to get back and do some theatre - and I've done more than I'd hoped. Every year that goes by I think 'this has been a lucky one'."
Anthony's other TV credits include Ultimate Force, Wives and Daughters, Hawking and Helen West. In his brief moments of free time he hopes to transform the garden of his new house in south London. "It's a bit of a wilderness at the moment so I've got the lawn mower and garden tools and I'm ready to go."
October, 2004; Publicity Release
Anthony Howell enjoyed getting a slice of the action in the new series of Foyle's War.
"I like playing Milner and I particularly like it when he's dynamic, whether interviewing people or pursuing them, grabbing them to make them understand and get his point across. Milner would have been a very physical person if he hadn't lost a leg in the war, so the joy is finding areas to chase, punch or grab, despite the injury.
"In the new films Milner tackles a suspect and he also gets shot. I love doing stuff like that. The stunt co-ordinator gets involved and we always rehearse it so that my body movements look natural, taking the leg into account."
The new series also finds Milner given more responsibility by his boss Foyle (Michael Kitchen).
"In War of Nerves he goes undercover at a builder's merchants. It was great fun to get out of the suit into different gear. Undercover he's a bit less genial and more direct, a no nonsense character," explains Anthony.
"I also enjoyed Milner doing his own thing in The French Drop. He is left in Hastings keeping an eye on a landlady Mrs Thorndyke. It was extra special because she was played by the lovely Deborah Findlay whom I made friends with on Wives and Daughters. It was also fun to work with Stella Gonet in They Fought In The Fields because we worked with her husband Nick Farrell in one of last year's films."
Milner has accepted his disability but his wife has struggled to come to terms with it. In the new series their marriage hits rock bottom.
"There's not a lot Milner can do. He has not returned from the war as the same person physically, and arguably even emotionally he cannot be the same. If Milner's wife is not strong enough to deal with this it makes the marriage almost impossible.
"I think Milner is glad in a way because for him to move forward there has to be an understanding of who he is. Foyle and Sam accept that unquestionably. But Milner is not entirely without hope of romance or for his future."
Rehabilitation after injury is a strong theme in the film Enemy Fire.
"The story is about badly injured airmen and it's really interesting. In the war, a lot of people were coming to terms with lost limbs and the surgeons were having to develop medical know-how very quickly. Our surgeon, played by Bill Paterson, is central to their rehabilitation. Talking is just as valuable as the physical treatment.
"For the burned airmen as well as for Milner, a soldier's outlook does change after serious injury. But Milner realises he has a tough job ahead with Foyle, and his injury is a strong reason for being involved and wishing to do his best."
Anthony shares some of Milner's qualities.
"He was written as a quiet, introspective character, very thoughtful and analytical. In some ways he's quite similar to me. I do tend to think about things a lot and I'm not brash, loud or confrontational by nature. But unlike him I am able to be very active. I enjoy horse riding, tennis, yoga and running - it helps to clear my head and I can do bits of yoga in between filming."
Anthony was on hand to help his co-star Honeysuckle when she dislocated her shoulder on location.
"We were in our trailers when I heard crying. I ran round to Honeysuckle's trailer and found her holding her shoulder. She had just been lying down and it dislocated. We called the ambulance and the crew came and got it back in. It must have been incredibly painful. Luckily it was right at the end of filming, so one of the costume girls could double for her in the driving scenes when her arm was strapped."
Anthony's other TV credits include Ultimate Force, Wives and Daughters, Hawking and Helen West. He also does a lot of narration for documentaries including Operatunity and The Big Fight.
When he's not working Anthony enjoys savouring his new role as an uncle. "My sister has just had a daughter. She's a treasure and I'm loving being an uncle for the first time. I've also got a godson in Italy who's two-and-a-half."
October, 2003; Publicity Release
Anthony Howell found news reports of the war in Iraq helped him prepare for Foyle's War.
"You only have to turn on the telly to see what has happened in the aftermath of Iraq or any of the countries that have been at war over the last few years to see the devastation that people face. In the new series of Foyle's War, London starts to get bombed and the country falls under heavy attack. It affects people's sense of well-being, their sense of the future and their concerns for their family and friends. All those emotions you can still see in the eyes of people who are suffering today. The sad thing is that war goes on."
Anthony also watched films from the period. "I try and concentrate on specific actors I admire and I've based Milner's character on people like James Mason or Gregory Peck. Charles Dance in the last series even told me I reminded him of a young Gregory Peck which was lovely. I've also read as many books or articles as I can. The historical aspect is fascinating. Foyle's War looks at the broader picture of what was going on, such as the relationship between Britain and America, but personal stories are woven in as well - how difficult things became with the lack of money and food, and how desperate people became. It's a dark time but hopefully the way we've developed the characters shows that within this starkness, there is light and hope, and people willing to help others. I think that appeals to a lot of people who went through the war or are going through all sorts of personal problems now."
Milner started working for Foyle (Michael Kitchen) after losing a leg while fighting at Trondheim. As he feels more settled and valued, he begins to accept his disability.
"The injury is a constant reminder of what happened to him but he starts to gain confidence and independence. He becomes less quiet and unassuming and gains an edge - and you start to see the Milner who existed prior to the injury. Over the course of the two series he's gone from being in absolute despair to being in control. "There's an interesting twist in the final episode when Milner risks his career for Foyle. Even though he finds this new ambition and drive, he's indebted to Foyle for saving his life. There is a strong mentor like relationship."
The on-screen relationships are mirrored behind-the-scenes. "It's pretty much spot on. Michael is like a father figure to Honeysuckle and me. She and I have also become great friends. I've been to lunch with Michael and his family. He's a lovely man and I have a lot of respect for him, professionally and personally."
Adds Anthony: "You can't help but bring your own personality to a character, especially when it's a new character in a new series. I like to think that I'm loyal and generous, but also driven and enthusiastic. Hopefully that comes across in Milner. I'm not loud or brash and as it turns out, neither is he. We've had some wonderful times and some hilarious moments. In the final episode where Joanna David shows us a plate of condemned meat we had to do about nine takes. We were all looking at this bright green dyed lamb chop and couldn't keep ourselves together!"
Anthony studied architecture before turning to drama, and his first job was a world tour with director Robert Lepage. His other TV work includes Ultimate Force, Wives and Daughters and Helen West, and he recently filmed a role in the BBC's Hawking.
"I have just bought myself a wonderful oil painting by Richard Whadcock. It's my present to myself after filming and it's my first proper painting. I'd like to buy one a year because it would be nice to look back and associate a painting with a time in my life."
September, 2002; Publicity Release
Anthony Howell turned to the experiences of World War Two hero Richard Hilary to prepare himself for the role of wounded ex-soldier Paul Milner in Foyle's War.
"I read a couple of great books including The Last Enemy by Richard Hillary. He was an air force pilot shot down early in the war and burned all over his body. Although he and Milner are not like each other, it was interesting to go through the thoughts of someone who's been through a war, gets shot down and is lying in hospital terribly injured.
"Hillary went through a horrific experience, had extensive surgery and suffered the strains of not knowing if he would survive or go under. It's not a simple journey. Even when you think you are getting over it there are more ups and downs.
"I also read 'Blood, Tears and Folly' by Len Deighton which is a great non-fiction book about the war. That and visiting the Imperial War Museum and going through their archives to learn about what happened at Trondheim were a great preparation."
Paul Milner is a police sergeant who abandoned his career in order to be one of the first men to enlist. Unfortunately he is also one of the first to be injured. Back in the police force after losing a leg, Foyle (Michael Kitchen) asks him to help in his investigation.
Says Anthony: "Paul Milner is a very interesting character. He has to deal with an incredible disability. Obviously the initial days after such an injury are very difficult, but day-to-day living with a disability is hard, too. It's a long process of adjustment.
"I went to Queen Mary's Hospital in Roehampton and the staff showed me the prosthetics that Douglas Bader wore - he lost one leg above the knee and one below. Artificial limbs are not as sophisticated as they are now, of course.
"Losing a leg is treated as a bereavement - the denial, the anger and the acceptance - and it changes Milner's life forever. He tries to carry on as normal, but things crop up that he has to deal with.
"Foyle originally approached Milner to work with him when he was a sergeant but Milner turned him down. Foyle comes back to see him in hospital, not out of pity, but because he senses they could work together. Milner is intuitive, with a quiet but busy mind. He is interested in the case, in spite of himself.
"Foyle, Milner and Sam, Foyle's driver, are three mismatched characters who come together. It's not a cosy threesome - there is a lot of pain and disappointment to deal with. I feel there's a great depth to be explored."
Anthony recently played another soldier - SAS trooper Sam Leonard - in ITV1's Ultimate Force. "Sam chose to join the SAS of his own free will and accepts that he will kill as part of his job. Milner is not a killing machine, he is gentle person and a deep thinker - being required to kill for his country is not part of his real make-up."
Anthony studied architecture before turning to drama. His first job was a world tour with director Robert Lepage and he has since spent a season at the RSC. His other TV work includes Wives and Daughters and Helen West.
When he's not working, Anthony is busy doing up the house he bought recently in South London.
"It's my first home so I've been buying furniture, painting and putting up shelves and cupboards. It's great to have a place of my own, but I still see my family often as we are very close. My parents are really supportive and come and watch everything I do.
"I'm also very close to my grandfather who would have been Milner's age during the war. He can't travel to London to see me on stage but he loves to watch me on TV and I'm sure he'll identify with Foyle's War."