After a long wait for the third series of Trying, we are now this close to seeing the brand new series on Apple TV+! Series three picks up with Nikki (Esther Smith) and Jason (Rafe Spall) waking up as new parents to two children they are still getting to know. Now they just have to keep hold of them, which proves to be trickier than they initially thought. Thrown straight into the parental deep end, Nikki and Jason's relationships with each other and with their nearest and dearest are tested as the desperately try to navigate the ups and downs of parenting – while hanging onto their kids, and their sanity. Filmhounds had the opportunity to talk to Esther and Rafe about their roles in Apple's hit series, Trying.

In series one and two, Nikki and Jason were the core of the show but in series three they now have a family. What was it like to work with the younger cast?

Rafe Spall: They were terrific. They were lovely and well brought up kids, very talented, well behaved and it was really nice to have that youthful energy on set. It was really fun, we loved having them around.

When you were both cast in the roles of Nikki and Jason, what made you interested and want to play those characters?

Esther Smith: As soon as I read the script, I really related to Nikki and really enjoyed spending time with them on the page and I wanted to see where their story would go. And also, because of the subject matter of the show, at the core of this adoption story I just haven't seen this expressed or told so it was a real learning experience for me to learn and understand that process.

RS: Yeah, I wanted to do this comedy drama and bring as much of myself as I could to a character that I would be playing. I had been playing of characters where I was allowed to be doing accents and all sorts of things so I was really looking for someone that was like me. Then I met Esther and she's my favourite so we had a lovely time doing the show.

Series two and three were both filmed during the pandemic. Did any challenges come with that?

RS: Of course. Like everything else, the rest of the world had people getting Covid and having to rearrange things. But, you know, we never shut down. We were always able to keep the show on the road and that was on huge part and testament to our producer Sam Pinnell who was very deft at making things work and while it was challenging, we got it done. On the second season, we were one of the first shows back filming and that was pre-vaccine, pretty hardcore, so it was really wonderful to be back doing it. It was just one of those things that we all faced in the world in our own way but we're really pleased to have been able to do it.

What were your favourite/most memorable moments on set whilst filming series three?

ES: There is so many because it is such a lovely job to do that feels like there is always something funny or hilarious going on. We spend so much time together on and off set, in between shooting, that it all kind of blurs together. I really enjoy the moments where Nikki and Jason argue particularly and there seems to be a lot of that dotted around. When their tension reaches a point and to me their arguments are always hilarious, always fun to play and always fun to do and then there is the lovely making up.

RS: I liked filming in Birdworld in Farnham.

One thing I love about Trying is the perfect balance between comedy and drama, sometimes even in the same scene. How did you find that balance whilst filming on set?

RS: It's just good writing, that's all it is. I think all of the comedy needs to be routed in reality so you can do big set pieces and funny things but it has to feel real. It is a tricky tone to strike but made very easy when you've got great writing and a phenomenal co-star. Sorry, I meant coaster, that you put your drink on.

ES: Rafe always has a coaster with him when he is on set and he can't act without his coaster.

May I ask, why do you need a coaster on set?

RS: That's a secret of my acting, I'm not going to let you in on that one.

Out of curiosity, have you two had the chance to see series three yet? I would love to hear what you think of it!

ES: It's always funny because you always forget what you filmed so I feel like I am watching it for the first time as well.

RS: I think it's our best season yet.

Without spoiling anything, what can fans expect from season three?

RS: All the things you love about the show: warmth, comedy, laugh out loud moments, fireball characters and I can guarantee it will be really satisfying to watch if you love these characters. There are highs and lows and Birdworld in Farnham.

ES: But, it's London Zoo.

RS: Yeah but we shot it at Birdworld in Farnham. If you know your Birdworld's you'll know the difference.

With such a huge supporting cast, who was the most amusing and fun to work with on set?

RS: When Imelda (who played Penny) was in the second season, she was really funny. They are all lovely, really lovely, but who's funny? Not Olly (plays Freddy), he's not funny.

ES: Darren (Scott) is hilarious!

RS: He ain't funny. Do you know who the funniest person in the world is? That is Esther Smith. Genuinely, she is the funniest person I have ever met and that is for a fact and she makes me laugh every single day. I have met some very funny people in my life but nobody is funnier than her. She is amazing and makes every day we work lovely.

Trying Season 3 is streaming on Apple TV+ From July 22nd.

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