The Chief is back! Meet Scotland's top cop and his trusty team as they give us the inside scoop on the new comedy series

BBC News

11-02-2025

New comedy series The Chief, a spin-off from the award-winning Scot Squad series, is written by, and stars, Jack Docherty as Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson.
The series sees The Chief wrestle with contemporary dilemmas and workplace politics, while trying his best to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. Thankfully, he's got his trusty team by his side. Or so you'd think.
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Interview with Jack Docherty as Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson
The Chief. A career crimefighter, Cameron Miekelson JBE is proud to be the top cop of the Scottish Police Force. Combining his wealth of experience with an unquenchable desire to be at the forefront of forward thinking, modern policing, he feels uniquely qualified to sit in 'the big chair'. A master at balancing politics, budgets, manpower and expectation, he likes to think he is both the beating heart of the force as well as the, admittedly handsome, face. While his personal life might not be quite so successful - separated from his wife Barbara, estranged from his daughter Ellen - he is forever determined to improve as both Chief and man. Inclusive, inventive, energetic and deeply passionate about policing, he works tirelessly to ensure that Scotland remains safe, that no criminal feels comfortable, and that the public continue to have confidence in their man, The People's Chief.
The Chief is back! Where do we find Scotland's top cop in this new comedy series?
In the big chair keeping the big country safe from the big bams.
What sorts of situations does he find himself in?
He finds himself desperately trying to remain relevant in the face of modernity and a changing world. He's the Chief of Police but finds himself constantly policed - by his deputies, his head of DEI, his ex-wife, his activist daughter - everyone. But he'll do anything to remain in his job…forever.
Can you tell us a little about his team – Katriona, Rohan, Lindsey and Paul?
Katriona is a very capable deputy and would make a great Chief of Police one day in the far, far, far distant future.
Rohan knows how to present the Scottish police force positively in the Scottish media and can get The Chief on or off the radio at the drop of a hat.
Lindsey makes sure his language and workplace is a safe space and inclusive for all.
And Paul his assistant fills Jean's very big boots and tries to help The Chief makes sense of the modern world, particularly the dating apps.
Would you say The Chief is a good leader or someone who perhaps would benefit from a training course or two?
He believes he's the greatest leader in the history of the world! But as someone once said, comedy lies in the gap between who we are and who we think we are. And the Chief's got a pretty big gap.
We finally meet his daughter Ellen – what is his relationship like with her?
Something I found really fun with this new series is exploring more of The Chief's personal life and we get to spend a lot of time with Ellen, his daughter. The Chief of Police living with his climate activist daughter seemed a fun dynamic to explore. Well, she lives in a van on his driveway, but you know what I mean.
We also meet Justice Minister Una Struan MSP played by Rhona Cameron. How does The Chief get on with her and what was it like working with Rhona?
Una is a very capable politician and a Baroness of banter. She's a whizz on the driving range. Though not as good as The Chief obviously. They have a very traditionally 'male' relationship. It was fun to explore that dynamic, but between a man and a woman.
I've known Rhona forever although we'd never worked together before. I was very surprised to discover that she does a mean Oliver Hardy impression. It sneaks into her performance once in a while.
And his ex-wife Barbara (played by Lorraine McIntosh) makes a return too…
I'm so used to seeing Lorraine spinning round, bashing the tambourine and belting out the songs in Deacon Blue that I forget she's such a good actor. I'd be saying my lines but watching her thinking 'crikey you're so good at this'.
Do real-life police officers ever talk to you about Chief Miekelson?
The Chief gets respect from police officers across Scotland and regularly receives a respectful salute. He generally gets the respect he deserves everywhere he goes in Scotland. Except at Tynecastle. No idea why, that's just the radge Jambos for you!
What do you think The Chief's strengths and weaknesses are?
Strengths - He is laser-focussed on his national duty of de-bamming the nation.
Weaknesses- He sometimes cares too much and occasionally doubts his own perfection.
Would you have faith in The Chief when it comes to policing Scotland?
Like the rest of Scotland, my faith in his abilities is rock solid. In Chief We Trust. And I include 'me' in that 'we'.
We're used to seeing you film solo – was it nice to have a team with you on this series?
It was less lonely. Scot Squad was strange as I'd only ever meet the others at press launches or wrap parties. This one is more traditional, so it was great to vibe with the others and have some fun.
In three words, can you describe The Chief?
Heroic. Handsome. Humble.
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
Most of my comedy characters are based on my Dad. The Chief is very, very, very much like him. He once told me he wanted to sue me for half my fee!
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
Actors who portray senior police figures should be allowed to use the blue light to speed to the takeaway to pick up their Bhuna.
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
Having a full head of hair. If you want to flaunt it, you can flaunt it behind bars.
Carmen Pieraccini as Katriona Muldoon, Deputy Chief Commissioner
Katriona is a hard-nosed, boots-on-the-ground, copper who wants nothing more than to protect the nation from bams. From a working class area, she is the rough diamond in the crown of the Scottish Police Force and has achieved her lofty position through hard work and good policing. As part of the Senior Management Team, she is the Chief's conduit to the uniformed workforce, protecting and promoting the men and women of the force. However, she has no time for the more public-facing part of her job, happy to leave that to the Chief and his head of communications. While the Chief respects Katriona's policing background, and her no-nonsense attitude, he is always paranoid that this forceful, front-foot woman is after his job!
Tell us a little about your character?
Katroina Muldoon is one of those people who you always get the same way. She is straight down the line and loyal. She is most happiest when she is able to lock up criminals and feels a sense of pride in protecting the community. She takes no s**t and stands up for herself.
Katriona is The Chief's reliable, dedicated and loyal right hand woman – does she rate him as a boss?
When it comes to The Chief she sees him as her Boss. However, she despairs when he goes on marketing or publicity tangents. She would rather be solving serious crimes with him than talking about the police forces' image.
What would you say are Katriona's strengths and weaknesses?
Katrina's strengths are rallying up the troops of the police force and having banter with them. And she is excellent at rugby and rally driving. Her weakness are public speaking and hearing a live choir sing. The harmonies get her every time.
In three words, can you describe Katriona Muldoon?
Solid, Hardworking, Loyal
We also get to meet the rest of the policing team – Rohan, Lindsay and Paul – what can you tell us about them?
As far as the rest of the team go, Katroina can't be bothered and doesn't understand all the tech stuff Rohan does. She thinks the world has gone PC mad when it comes to what Lindsay has to say and she sees Paul as the Chiefs wee lap dog.
What was it like working with Jack Docherty?
This was my first time working with Jack and it was great fun! He knows that character so well and it was genuinely really hard to keep a straight face when working with him. I was in awe of him remembering ALL his lines as you can imagine he had loads it being called The Chief.
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
I am inspired by all the clown doctors I work with at Hearts and Minds and great clowns such as Angela De Castro, Phillipe Gaulier and John Wright.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
I would make hugging someone every day a law!
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
I would make Squishes illegal. Because they always burst making children cry. They are disgustingly wasteful. They are the devils spawn in my opinion.
Rhona Cameron as Una Struan MSP, Justice Minister
A canny political operator, straight-talking Una Struan is the current Justice Minister in the Scottish Government and, essentially, the Chief's boss. Una and the Chief have a long history as colleagues, collaborators and are kind of 'friends'. While they often enjoy a round of golf together, swapping banter like old buddies, there is always the feeling that both have ulterior motives. Una's political standing is reliant on the success - and public perception - of the Scottish Police Force. And everything from the Annual Budget to the Chief's personal contract of employment goes through Una's department. This makes for a symbiotic relationship that is complicated, nuanced and heavy with hidden motivations.
Tell us a little about your character Una Struan
She's the Justice Minister, a charismatic, self-assured and (I'm assuming!) old school power lesbian in modern day Scottish politics. She's capable, confident, bit genderless, with a decent golf handicap of around 20 I'd say.
Would you say she's a friend or a foe of The Chief, professionally speaking of course!
Una needs the somewhat like-minded old-school Chief to help her strategise her way to the top. It's a symbiotic relationship. Lots of layered communication between them, with much two-way subterfuge. But they know the score…they are both old enough to even say that and know what it means.
What was it like working with Jack Docherty? Have you ever worked together before?
Only when he had his chat show [The Jack Docherty Show ran in the 1990s], but I don't remember much about the 90's! Jack is warm, and easy going and, like me, has spanned many eras across the arts. So, it was easy to banter with him which is so important.
What do you think Una's strengths and weaknesses are?
Her strengths are her confidence. Also her non-binary 'Lesbionic' vibe gives her broad appeal, seeing her as an individual who enjoys her position as Justice Minister. Rather than being defined as a woman in reaction to a man.
Her weaknesses? Needing the Chief to attain her various positions on the chess board of politics.
Do you think Una has faith in The Chief's policing style and leadership?
Foolishly, mostly, yes. And even if she didn't and his plans offered her some benefits, she would find a way to be in denial of his incompetence.
In three words, can you describe Una Struan?
Still quite attractive.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
That being in any position of power in a governing level, requires two years of rigorous psychotherapy, ideally.
Lana Pheutan as Lyndsey McLeod, Head of HR & Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Lyndsey is one of the many civilian support staff within the Scottish Police Force. Lyndsey prides herself on her ability to patiently guide the force toward a more modern, inclusive, equitable workplace, often in the face of institutional inertia or, worse of all, the Chief's rampant enthusiasm. Smart, caring and seemingly unflappable, there's the slight suspicion that, at some point, she might snap and reveal a chaotic, savage character beneath!
Tell us a little about your character Lyndsey McLeod?
Lyndsey takes her job seriously and is passionate about the work she does. She wants to make sure it's a fair place to work, which sounds like it should be easy. But nothing ever is with The Chief and she finds herself going round and round in circles.
How does Lyndsey feel about The Chief's leadership skills?
Lyndsey and the Chief have an interesting relationship, she definitely notices his eye rolls when she corners him for slipping up again and she isn't afraid to call him out. She's not sure if he's scared of her or fed up, she likes the idea of the former.
What would you say are Lyndsey's strengths and weaknesses?
Lyndsey isn't afraid to hold power to account, but perhaps she needs to sometimes remember to watch her tone when she's speaking to the literal chief of police.
In three words, can you describe Lyndsey?
Fair, friendly, fed-up.
We also get to meet the rest of the policing team – Katriona, Rohan and Paul – what can you tell us about them?
Lyndsey has the most dealings with Paul, who is definitely a bit scared of her. Paul is up to date on the current PC lingo but that doesn't mean he can do the chiefs homework for him. In another life they would have made a great pub-quiz team.
What was it like working with Jack Docherty?
I had made a wee appearance in Scot Squad, but never had the chance to work with Jack - so I was delighted to be cast in The Chief. Working with Jack was such good fun, watching him snap into character never fails to impress or make me laugh.
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
Growing up in Skye I was surrounded by funny folk who didn't seem to even have to try. My grandpa especially is sharp and is always coming out with something daft.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
A National Holiday declared every time it reaches over 22 degrees in Scotland.
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
Eating sardines in public, why would you do that?
Beruce Khan as Rohan Rivani, Assistant Deputy Chief Commissioner
Part of the Chief's Senior Management Team, Rohan is the officer in charge of the force's PR and Communications. This makes Rohan one of the Chief's favourite people. Whether organising press interviews, podcast appearances, or the launch of the latest public safety campaign, he works tirelessly to present the Scottish Police Force and, more importantly, its Chief Commissioner in the best possible light. Away from the force, Rohan is a dedicated family man. But in uniform, no idea is too wild, no campaign too impactful, no press coverage that can't be leveraged to keep his boss happy.
Tell us a little about your character Rohan Rivani?
Rohan is the Chief's right-hand hype man but often on damage control. He's got the charm to handle the press and the patience to handle The Chief…most of the time. He power walks to work whilst blasting Beyonce and texts at 120 wpm (words per minute).
How does Rohan feel about The Chief's leadership skills?
Oh, Rohan admires The Chief's unique approach to leadership. Let's just say Rohan's job wouldn't be half as exciting if The Chief wasn't such an inspiration/PR challenge.
Rohan often deals with the media fallout – is The Chief a positive spokesperson for policing or a law unto himself?
I think the Chief's heart is definitely in the right place, but yes he's absolutely a law unto himself. Rohan could probably be working for a big tech company and be headache free, but he sees policing and community service as a noble cause, so while it's often a challenge, he's determined to help the Chief refine his approach.
What would you say are Rohan's strengths and weaknesses?
His strengths are his unshakeable positivity and his lightning-fast thinking. His brain's like it's running on dual monitors; he can juggle four devices at once without breaking a sweat. As for weaknesses, his belief in others (especially certain people) can sometimes leave him cleaning up messes he should have seen coming.
In three words, can you describe Rohan?
Polished, loyal, frazzled.
We also get to meet the rest of the policing team – Katriona, Lyndsey and Paul – what can you tell us about them?
Katriona is someone you'd want in the trenches with you, proper steady under pressure. She can shut down a suspect with a single look. Lyndsey is the grounded one who keeps everything running smoothly while quietly judging the chaos around her. And Paul... well, Paul is Paul. A solid lad with the vibe of someone who'd get stuck in a revolving door.
What was it like working with Jack Docherty?
A true pleasure, he's a lovely man and a great company leader. Despite carrying the majority of the show he consistently manages to stay upbeat, kind, and always looks to get the best out of everyone. I love watching him work, he's one of those actors who makes every scene feel like a masterclass in comedy.
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
The people of my hometown, Sunderland, it's in their blood. I also have a soft spot for anything slapstick. You can't beat a perfectly timed trip over an invisible obstacle.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
Free massages once a month for everyone on the NHS. Crime would probably drop overnight.
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
Undertaking on the left-hand side.
Dylan Blore as Paul Weir, Assistant to Chief Commissioner Miekelson
Paul is the innocent, ever-supportive personal assistant to the Chief. Though he may appear quiet, naive and perhaps a little socially awkward, he acts as the Chief's main resource of information on the modern world. From the latest social media memes, dating apps, fashion trends, cultural norms, even the very language of 'young people', the Chief never tires of learning from his assistant.
For the Chief, a man fighting to stay ahead of the curve, Paul is his essential mentor to modernity.
Tell us a little about your character Paul Weir?
Paul is assistant to The Chief, the Mr Smithers to his Mr Burns, the Pinky to his Brain. Paul is the keeper of the diary, guardian of Miekelson's truncheon, personal hype-man, and dating advisor extraordinaire. Anything The Chief needs, Paul can provide.
How does Paul feel about The Chief's leadership skills?
Thank you for your question. We welcome transparency and constructive feedback within the department; however, we are not able to provide a formal comment at this time. Rest assured; the country is in safe hands. The streets shall never be darkened with crime whilst Cameron Miekelson is at the helm of this courageous institution.
What would you say are Paul's strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths - Much like his dog, Mr Barker, Paul is loyal to a fault. He is a perfectionist, holding himself to the highest standards. Paul will be the first to berate, criticise, and suitably punish himself should he fail his esteemed, charismatic, well-dressed leader. Paul is organised, well-mannered, and keeps the good ship Chief on course.
Weaknesses - Like a flower without water, a bicycle without wheels, Paul could not exist without The Chief. Miekelson's existence for Paul is as essential as oxygen. Some might say he has low self-esteem and crippling anxiety; others would realise he has merely looked upon greatness and will forever pale in comparison.
In three words, can you describe Paul?
Dithering. But. Handsome.
We also get to meet the rest of the policing team – Katriona, Lyndsey and Rohan – what can you tell us about them?
Katriona is a force to be reckoned with, a true match for Miekelson. She's a great leader, and as sharp as a tack. I like to imagine her and Paul enjoy an after-work gossip over a bottle of wine. This isn't scripted, but I'm manifesting it. Katriona is played by Carmen, who is brilliant in the role, and just as sharp as the character she plays.
Rohan is our Geordie, but we don't hold that against him. He's a tech-savvy, flip-phone wielding man of the people. Communication is key for a police force, and no one understands that more than Rohan! Beruce brings a smooth-talking intelligence to Rohan, and a playful energy to set.
Last, but by no means least, there's Lyndsey. She keeps the department up to speed, modern, and moving in the right direction! The Chief certainly needs a little nudge in the right direction when it comes to not causing offence. Lyndsey is played by Lana, who might be one of the coolest people I've met. She's in a band, don't you know?
What was it like working with Jack Docherty?
Who's this Jack Docherty? I'm joking, of course. I'm as admiring of Jack as Paul is of The Chief. We've never worked together, but I've enjoyed his onscreen persona for years, so it's a real privilege to be invited into his world. He likes to make self-depreciating jokes about not being a trained actor, but he's one of the most naturally sharp performers I've worked with. He knows his character so well, his delivery is second to none, so you've really got to step up your game when you're sharing a scene!
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
I love anything by oddballs and weirdos, so I try to emulate that when creating any character. There's an Australian comedian called Sam Campbell, I'm in love with his work. It's absurd, ridiculous, non-sensical, and utterly hilarious. If you haven't gone down a Sam Campbell rabbit hole, get yourself on YouTube and watch some of his Bits. This statement is not sponsored by Sam Campbell or YouTube.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
Watching The Chief when it's released. Seriously, who can I speak to about this? Does anyone have John Swinney's phone number?
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
Urinals. Let me pee in the privacy of a cubicle, please! Surely, we have evolved past urination as a communal activity!
Eilidh Loan as Ellen Miekelson, The Chief's Daughter
After a few years apart, the Chief's activist daughter Ellen has driven her ramshackle mobile home back into his life. Needing somewhere to stay while she figures out what life has in store for her next, she moves in with the Chief, turning his world and his bachelor flat on its head. As proud as the Chief is of his daughter, welcoming the chance for them to rebuild their relationship, there's no denying that he struggles with Ellen's world view. As an anarchic anti-capitalist, politically motivated crusader who wants to shake society to its rigid, oppressive, unjust roots, the two Miekelsons rarely share common ground. However, despite their many differences exacerbated by their similar pig-headedness, there is a warm father/daughter love beneath that now has a fresh chance to grow. If only Ellen could stop getting arrested for five minutes.
Tell us a little about your character Ellen Miekelson
So Ellen is Chief Miekelson's daughter. She's a climate activist, wanna be anarchist and therefore totally disagrees with everything her dad stands for. She is a bit of a free spirit and goes wherever she pleases. She's spent a lot of time out on the road living in her camper van but unfortunately for The Chief, she becomes a nightmare for him when she moves in and becomes his flatmate.
How does Ellen feel about her dad being Scotland's top cop?
I think when we first meet Ellen there is a lot of push back towards her dad. She definitely feels her dad is on the wrong side and spends a lot of the time trying to educate him on her views. She also rejects the privileged upbringing she's had and tries to appear more 'relatable' but ultimately she loves her dad and this chance to spend time together could be a good thing for them both.
What would you say are Ellen's strengths and weaknesses?
Ellen is super passionate about the causes she protests for and I think that's such a brilliant quality. However, I do think her sarcastic and hard edge can sometimes be problematic which creates some funny conflict between her and her dad.
In three words, can you describe Ellen?
Ellen is confident which I think she inherits from her dad, she's passionate and (hopefully if I do a good job) funny.
Ellen and The Chief have a very unique father/daughter dynamic – can you describe it?
I think they are such a hilarious duo and their dynamic makes normal moments become hilarious. As the series continues we start to feel them reconnect and find some common ground. Hopefully even learn from each other.
We also meet Ellen's mum, Barbara, played by Lorraine McIntosh. What's Ellen's relationship with her mum like?
There is definitely a difficult dynamic there as well. I don't think either of her parents are over the moon about the way she chooses to live her life and how extreme she can be. In order for Ellen to move back in with her dad, she must have gotten pretty fed up with her mum and her new boyfriend.
Is she a mummy's girl or the apple of daddy's eye?
Hmmm. I don't know that she is either at this moment. Which is funny cause it sort of leaves her open to criticise both of them. You always find you stick up for one parent over the other but in Ellen's case she's like 'you are both a pain'. I'd like to think as Ellen and her dad reconnect, she slowly becomes a bit more of a daddy's girl.
What was it like working with Jack Docherty?
I adore Jack. This was my first time working with Jack, Noddy and the team at the comedy unit. I grew up on Scottish comedy and it's been such important material through my journey of wanting to be an actor so to do this with the team has been amazing. I truly think Jack is such a fantastic artist.
Where do you get your comedy inspiration from?
What is amazing about Scotland is we have so many legends that have paved the way for comedy. From Stanley Baxter, Rikki Fulton, Billy Connolly, Elaine C Smith, Karen Dunbar, Louise McCarthy, Johnny McKnight, Greg Hemphill, Ford Kiernan, Johnny Watson, Rab Florence. You are constantly surrounded by inspiration. Oh Cathrine O'Harra and Jack Black! And my dad actually.
If you could make one thing law, what would it be?
Three day weekends!
And if you could make one thing illegal, what would you opt for?
Adults wearing Disney clothes. Sorry but that's a room 101 for me. Unless you are in Disneyland, bin those gilttery bambi hoodies.