BBC
Media Centre
11 Jul 2026
A death in the family. A bombshell will. A murderer in their ranks?
The apparent death by suicide of high-powered businessman Jack Wright sends shockwaves through his family.
As his many wives and children fight over the remains of his estate, a dogged police detective investigates –
and uncovers the shocking truth about this well-heeled clan.
John Simm dives into his role as Gray Wright in this new family saga and courtroom thriller, sparked by the reading of a shock will.
Read his full interview below, followed by links to the rest of the cast and creator Q&As.
Q&A with John Simm (Gray Wright)
Why did you want to be part of I, Jack Wright?
For me, it’s always the writing that draws me to a role, and Chris Lang is a brilliant writer. The script was just a gift, and the part was appealing too. I’ve been playing Grace [DS Roy Grace in the ITV drama] for the last six years, so just to be able to play someone else was a real joy. Finally, I love the character; he’s a tortured kind of 90s throwback, i.e. basically myself!
Who is Gray Wright, and how does he fit into the story?
He’s the oldest son of Jack Wright, and he’s not in the best of places when we find him: his glory days are well behind him. He owes people money, and he’s got himself into a right old pickle. Gray was a minor pop or rock star in the 90s, possibly having one or two top 10 songs, and he’s now a record producer with his own label, a very small indie outfit. He wears 90s Adidas, has a Britpop or old raver kind of vibe, he’s on the gear, he drinks too much, smokes, is an addict and is basically the bad apple of the family.
However, we soon realise that there’s a reason he’s like that. He was lacking love, affection and affirmation throughout his life. The whole family is screwed up by something, but he’s especially messed up.
What was he hoping for from the reading of the will, and how does it affect him?
He was hoping for a substantial amount of money, seeing as he’s the oldest son, and he doesn’t get it. He immediately smells a rat and thinks something is going on.
What was his relationship with his dad when he was alive?
It’s quite complicated because we don’t really know their relationship at the start of the series. You have to piece it all together to try to work out what’s happened. When you first meet Gray, you think he’s a waster, especially compared to his brother John, who’s very straight and business-like, but Gray has been battered over the years by drugs and hedonism.
He constantly seems to be on a come-down or with a hangover. He’s a damaged soul who feels hard done by. He needed that money more than anybody, and his dad hadn’t provided for him at all. They had a tricky relationship which we learn about throughout the series.
What is his relationship like with his mother?
His relationship with his mum, Rose, played by Gemma Jones, is no better. She’s at the end of her tether because she’s constantly lending him money, and he’s just not very nice to her in return. He’s also estranged from his daughter Emily, and I think he’s genuinely gutted about that. In fact, he’s got a tricky relationship with most of the people he’s desperately trying to cling to.
He’s got a younger girlfriend whom he promises he will make a star, and I do genuinely, genuinely think there’s love there between them. He’s pushing his luck all the time, and his luck must run out at some point.
What references did you use for the character?
I didn’t base him on anyone in particular, but I may have been thinking of a friend of mine for his physicality! He’s from Manchester, and I know that world very well, plus I was in the music industry in the 90s. They were Gray’s golden days, and I can relate to that. I was 20 in 1990, so I just had a ball throughout all that time in that world. I was in a band back then, and so Manchester looms large in my life.
In fact, by some weird sort of serendipity, Liam Gallagher and John Squire released an album together just as we started filming on the first series. I use music a lot for characters, and I just thought this was like a gift from heaven. It was a joy to tap into all that again.
More Cast & Creator Interviews: Use links below to access full Q&As at BBC Media Centre:
Chris Lang (Writer, Creator and Executive Producer)
Nikki Amuka Bird (Sally Wright)
Ruby Ashbourne Serkis (Emily Wright)
I, Jack Wright Series 1 arrives on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 12 July 2026. The highly anticipated Series 2 is expected to debut on both platforms in early 2027.
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