The face of Ho is also that of actor Christopher Chung, who is enjoying himself as one of the “f*** ups”, as boss Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman, puts it, among MI5’s professional embarrassments.
Japanese and Korean actors look for love in shared house on Netflix show
Japanese and Korean actors look for love in shared house on Netflix show
And while Chung isn’t Ho – “I really enjoy playing against my type!” – he wryly acknowledges the growing celebrity his character is lending him.
Previously spotted on YouTube wearing a Roddy Ho T-shirt, he admits, “For Christmas I had a T-shirt made that said, ‘I do it for the Ho’s’. And I gave out little badges saying, ‘Santa’s favourite Ho’.
“There are always elements of the character in each person cast,” says Chung. “Gary has a dry wit that’s very Lamb. I think I come across as quite a nice guy on set, so it’s fun to lean into Roddy’s feigned confidence, which he really buys into.
“In his own hierarchy, the way he places people in his brain, he’ll always be top. And as new agents arrive he will always have something to school them on.”
The MI5 misfits are the offspring of novelist Mick Herron, whom the cast met before series one.
“He was absolutely wonderful,” says Chung. “It was lovely to have the creator of Slough House available to ask questions of and discover where he pulled these characters from, and how.
“Some of the answers he didn’t know, which meant we could have our own interpretations. And he was very honest, and not precious, about the characters. Same with [screenwriter] Will Smith.
“The way Mick writes Roddy, it’s an internal monologue he has, talking to himself, bigging himself up, constantly praising himself. It’s fun to have that dynamic in my head while I’m delivering Will’s lines.”
Earth on BBC Earth takes us through history of extinctions and evolution
Earth on BBC Earth takes us through history of extinctions and evolution
Chung has graced Roddy with an underlying Cockney accent: no surprise when Chung’s domestic arrangements are considered.
“I’ve lived in London for 12 years,” says Chung, 35. “I was born and grew up in Melbourne, but I spent most of my formative adult years in London.
This month, Chung will visit Hong Kong, where family connections also run deep: a grandmother was born and raised in the city and a cousin and sister-in-law are residents.
“I haven’t been back for a few years, but I used to go a lot,” he says. “I love how it’s so different to Melbourne, the pace of life, the international aspect – things I hadn’t really experienced in Australia.”
When he returns to Britain, it’s likely to be to a swelling chorus of appreciation on the back of what he calls, “the biggest job of my career”.
More high-end crime in London in The Chelsea Detective on BBC First
More high-end crime in London in The Chelsea Detective on BBC First
“The first Slow Horses season was extremely nerve-racking”, he admits, before acknowledging, in awe, the influence of his most luminous co-star.
“Playing against Gary gave me quite a bit of anxiety,” says Chung. “But he’s very paternal and loves what he does; he’s open and approachable and just wants to make the best of every scene.
“My mind is still blown sometimes when he offers me something: ‘Maybe do it like this ….’ and I’m like, ‘F***ing hell, that’s why you’re Gary Oldman!’
“I’ve learned so much from him and I’m grateful I can call him a friend. I find it so bonkers to be able to say that.”
Before he saddles up again, fans will have another opportunity to see Chung in action.
He adds: “The last few years have been incredible. I’ve worked with some real titans and I’m very much looking forward to what the next few years bring.”
Might they feature Roddy? “It’s not beyond the realms of possibility to have a Roddy Ho spin-off!” he jokes – possibly. “We’ll just chuck that out there. I’ve heard whispers, Steve! I’ve heard whispers!”
Slow Horses is now streaming on Apple TV+.
