24 A quick chat with 24's Annie Wersching

24 star Annie Wersching talks Jack Bauer, keeping fit and Irish dancing!

Your character, FBI Agent Renee Walker, has changed a bit, hasn’t she?
"She’s crazy different this year! Renee ended the last series in not such a good place and she’s still messed-up. It has been really good to play."

Where’s her relationship with Jack going?
"They saved each other’s lives last time so, although they’ve only known each other for 24 hours, there’s an intense connection. Of course, in the 24 world their relationship is never going to be like a romantic comedy, but what happens is cool, and the fans will like it."

She’s been described as a female Jack Bauer. Are they a good match?
"We didn’t realise that when we were shooting the last series, but became aware of it once it aired. Jack and Renee understand and respect each other on so many different levels, and they handle themselves in the same way."

Day Eight is set in New York. Did you get to film there?
"No. We mainly film in LA and use anywhere we can find that doesn’t have a palm tree in shot. That said, setting the show in New York has really changed the vibe and the energy."

Is there a fun atmosphere on set?
"It depends. If it’s an action day, we joke around. But if there’s a big scene with a lot of emotional stuff, it’s usually pretty serious. Kiefer Sutherland tends to play a lot of chess on set. I tried to learn and it did not go well."

What’s it like working with Kiefer?
"I love his intensity and commitment to the show after nine years. A lead on another show could just turn up, say their lines and collect a pay cheque, but Kiefer wants 24 to be as good as it possibly can."

Were you already a fan of 24?
"I’ve watched every episode of every series, and I still can’t really believe I’m in it. Other shows have tried to have the same kind of intensity, but I don’t think anything can match the real-time aspect. The ticking clock adds a unique twist."

How do you keep in shape?
"Before filming I’m always straight down to the gym, but once we start the last thing I want to do is go to there, because the work is like going to the gym. I played a lot of sports and was a dancer growing up, so it comes pretty naturally."

What kind of dancing did you do?
"Irish dancing. I competed until I was about 18. I still do it when I go home for St Patrick’s Day and hang out with the girls I used to dance with. We do it in a pub or at a ceilidh, but now when I dance for more than two minutes I can hardly breathe. I don’t know how I kept it up for all those years."