DCI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams) and DS Owen Vaughan (Siôn Alun Davies) return to BBC One Wales on Wednesday, March 16 at 9pm and BBC Four on Saturday, March 19 at 9pm for the third and final instalment of the hit Welsh drama. The series will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
After a local man’s body is found in a remote river, DCI Cadi John gets embroiled in the case which bears the signs of a brutal and frenzied attack.
Since we last saw DCI Cadi John, her relationship with pathologist Rachel West has flourished – despite the secrets Cadi keeps from her - and she relies on Rachel to help identify the cause of death.
Nearby, a local labourer Siôn Thomas (Sion Ifan) returns home to his brother Glyn, who has Down’s syndrome. Siôn became Glyn’s carer after the tragic death of their mother years previously. Having perpetually been let down by the various systems that should have protected them, Siôn is frustrated and wants nothing more than to provide for his brother.
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Introduction by Producer, Hannah Thomas
Cardiff-based production company, Severn Screen, produces the final series of Hidden. It sees the return of award-winning author Caryl Lewis (along with first time writer Liam Foley), and directors Chris Foster and Andy Newbury. The series is produced by Hannah Thomas and executive produced by Ed Talfan.
Series Producer Hannah Thomas talks about the final series of Hidden.
Producing this final series was a bittersweet experience. It was wonderful to bring back our talented cast and crew but knowing that this was our final series, combined with the trials of filming during a pandemic meant that this final outing was, at times, a difficult one.
One of the highlights of series 3 of Hidden was working with Justin Melluish. Justin has Down’s syndrome and is part of Wales-based Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies. The opportunity to work with such a talented neurodivergent actor and being able to develop his character alongside Justin himself was a real joy for us all. Seeing Justin at work was wonderful and he and Sion Ifan (who plays his brother Sion) struck up a firm friendship. We look forward to continuing our work with Hijinx to develop stories and series’ with a diverse cast.
In spite of the difficulties, one of the most rewarding elements of filming Hidden has always been the opportunity to film in the beautiful Welsh landscape. We re-visited so many of our iconic locations in this third and final series and the entire cast and crew shed a tear as we left Cadi’s island home. From the mountains of Snowdonia, to the urban centres of Bangor and Caernarfon, from the farmhouses at the foot of Rhyd Ddu to the isolated Nant Ffrancon valley, the locations in Hidden have always been a fourth character and this remains the same in this series.
The luck of being able to produce three series whilst hopefully ending on a high means that you can give the characters the ending that you feel they deserve. In this series, DCI Cadi John (Sian Reese-Williams) is challenged in her personal life in a way that we haven’t seen in previous series and we get the opportunity to really get to know her.
Hidden has always been a series about people on the edge – on the edge of society, on the edge geographically of Wales and on the edge in terms of their grasp on their lives. It has been a joy to produce and I will miss it dearly.
Interview with Sian Reese-Williams (DI Cadi John)
Hidden Series 3 is back for a third and final series. Where did we leave Cadi at the end of series 2?
Cadi had found her place within the dynamic of her family after her father passed away. After fighting it for some time, she seemed to be happy to stick around and get to know her sisters properly for the first time. And there was the possibility of some romance with Rachel on the horizon. So everything seemed to be as steady as anything would ever be for someone like Cadi - which we find out, might be just a bit too safe for her in the long run.
How did it feel reading through the third and final script?
I shed more than one tear knowing these would be the last ones I’d be reading. But it felt like a really exciting story that takes the show into a bit of a new direction. I wanted to see a satisfying end to the characters’ journeys - to stick the landing I suppose - and I think we’ve done that. I felt very proud reading them.
What can you tell us about the case in this series?
What Hidden does so well is play with the audience’s moral compass. Nothing is black and white. “Good” and “evil” sit on a sliding scale here and we have to question what we would do if we found ourselves in such desperate situations as the characters in the show. And series 3 really is the most ambiguous of all of them. I think it’s an extremely moving story this time round and it’ll take the viewer all over the place emotionally!
We get to know Cadi a lot more this time around. Did you tackle any new challenges with Cadi’s character for this series?
Seeing Cadi a little on the back foot was quite fun. She’s normally pretty in control and able to park her personal life while she’s at work, but she gets quite distracted by that in this series. It was nice to see her really give in to her vulnerabilities.
Was it emotional on the final day on set?
Of course. It’s a job that’s been with me for 5 years now, which means the people have too. So it felt very surreal to be saying goodbye to it all. Although, the final day was a night shoot till 5am with a rain machine so I was also quite excited to get to bed!
What was your favourite scene to film?
There’s a scene in, I think, episode 5 between Cadi and Vaughan in a cafe. Cadi opens up to Vaughan in a way she hasn’t before and it felt not only like she’d really grown since their first scenes together but also that they’d come full circle. They really feel like partners and I love their quiet friendship. And to have that moment with Sion after such a long time together felt essential really. Easily my favourite scene.
Who was most fun on set?
Justin Melluish who plays Glyn. We only really had 2 or 3 weeks working together but those weeks were filled with laughter and fun.
Looking back at the three series as a whole, what’s been your favourite memory?
The epic locations and the wonderful friends I made on set. It was such a fantastic bunch of people working on Hidden - cast and crew, and it really did feel special in that sense. I’ll miss it greatly.
What’s your favourite thing about Cadi as a character? What will you miss about her?
Her clothes - I get the short straw on wardrobe with most characters I play so she was an absolute godsend! No, I’ll miss her quiet confidence and her ability to be extremely cool under pressure - both things I’m sure we could all work on. But also, her boots.
Interview with Sion Ifan who plays Siôn Thomas
Can you tell us a bit about you?
I’m Sion Ifan. I’m an actor and director, originally from Carmarthenshire. My credits include leading roles on S4C dramas including Enid a Lucy 1 and 2, 3 series of Byw Celwydd, Tir, Cara Fi, Y Streic a Fi and Reit Tu Ôl i Ti. My theatre work includes productions with Theatre Clwyd, Sherman Theatre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Wales Millennium Centre.
Tell us about your character Siôn...
Sion Thomas is a complicated guy who’s been dealt a tough hand in life. On paper he is a carer for his brother Glyn, who has Down’s syndrome. Glyn is the reason he gets out of bed in the morning. However we quickly see that in actual fact he needs his brother as much as his brother needs him. Sion is haunted by a tragic past and as the series progresses we see how this pushes him into a deep, dark and desperate quest for the truth and for justice.
How did you approach playing an angry and let down character like Sion? Was it difficult to play him?
Like you approach every character really - make sure you know them inside out - what drives them, what makes them tick - then learn the lines. Filming Hidden was especially challenging as I had to learn an accent too so lots of the prep went into getting that right.
Have you played similar characters before?
This is definitely the darkest character I’ve played.
How was it working alongside Justin Melluish, who plays your brother?
Without a doubt, the most enjoyable aspect of the role for me was working with Justin Melluish who plays Sion’s brother, Glyn. The relationship between them is the heart of the series. No matter how dark things get you still want Sion and Glyn to be ok. Forming that friendship on and off screen was so important for both of us. Justin is such a generous and talented actor… he also makes a great cuppa tea.
What drew you to the part?
These dark, intense lead roles don’t come often so I felt very privileged- and as it’s the last series of Hidden it was great to be able to join such a wonderful team and cast for their final series.
What was your favourite scene to film?
There is a scene in the last episode (no spoilers) with lots and lots of rain... hundreds of gallons of water was poured on me and Justin in the middle of the night - we were soaked to the core - but we still laughed A LOT.
What was it like filming at the various locations in Wales?
Hidden is full of spectacular locations primarily in north west Wales. The mountains engulf these characters’ homes and lives and has always been a key part of the storytelling of Hidden. Shooting up in north west Wales, with incredible scenery was breath-taking and a joy.
Who was most fun on set?
Justin - the prankster.
Interview with Justin Melluish who plays Glyn Thomas
What can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Justin, I’m 32 years old and I have Down’s syndrome. If I had to describe myself in 3 words - I’d say I am fun, handsome and stylish. The things I love the most are acting, my family and food! I started performing when I was just a few years old and haven’t stopped since. My dream is to be a regular in a prime soap like Hollyoaks but I’d settle for being the new James Bond.
Your character Glyn is new to the series, can you tell us how he fits into the storyline?
Glyn is a main character in series 3 of Hidden so I am very proud to have played him. Glyn works at the local farm shop and lives with his brother Siôn who is his carer. However as events unfold there is a little role reversal. Glyn is Siôn’s rock and so is integral to the storyline.
What did you like most about your character when you read the script?
I loved finding out about Glyn and his relationship with his brother. I couldn’t wait to research all I could about pigeons for my role. I loved that Glyn had a job too. I really couldn’t believe how much Glyn was involved in the series. You should have seen my script, there was so much pink highlighter!
What was the most challenging aspect of filming Hidden?
The most challenging aspects were filming in the Welsh language as I’m not very familiar with it. Knowing my lines and scenes and filming in English first was a bonus though as I was able to work things out. Also, working through the night as I’d never done that before. I soon managed to adjust as I can sleep anywhere, anytime and was lucky to be able get my ‘8 hours’ in the daytime.
What did you think of the various locations you filmed in? Can you tell us your favourite?
The locations were amazing, I’d never been to south Wales before and the scenery was interesting and beautiful. I really enjoyed filming outdoors with the pigeons in Aberystwyth. My favourite though, has to be Margam Castle and grounds. It was fascinating to learn about the bats that live there and I loved filming inside the castle and out and about in the grounds. I’d like to go back for a visit someday.
What was your favourite scene to film?
I can’t decide between two quite different scenes. The cafe scene with Sion was one I was looking forward to filming and it didn’t disappoint. It is quite an emotional scene. Myself and my family love that one. Then there’s the rooftop scene and the adrenaline that went along with filming that. I was extremely excited for that one.
Who was most fun on set?
Sion Ifan! We had so much fun between scenes and lots of banter. We also had a great time making a little video of Him or Me/Fe or Fi, you can see a snippet of how much fun we had together on there. Sion Ifan is an amazing person to be around and a truly great actor. Sion and I bonded over zoom before meeting in person for the first time, on set. We quickly started a “bromance” and were just like real brothers. He helped me feel relaxed and we’d go over our lines and scenes together. He even made me cups of tea. I didn’t feel like I was acting when I was with him. Caru Ti Sion.
