The Heart of the Team: Becky Robinson

DI Becky Robinson has been with Tom since she was a sergeant in London. Life for her has changed dramatically since those days.

DI Becky Robinson

History through the books

From Becky Robinson’s early days as Tom Douglas’s whip-smart sergeant to her eventually taking over his office as a DCI, she has evolved into one of the most resilient and much-loved characters in the series. Here is a look at the life and times of Becky Robinson.

The Early Days: Sassy and Fast-Driving

When we first meet Becky in Only the Innocent, she is a Detective Sergeant (DS) and Tom’s trusted driver. Even back then, her personality was as bold as her driving, which Tom famously described as a mix of "rapid acceleration" and "fierce braking," often leaving him clutching the grab handle for dear life.

Initially described as having "dark, shiny hair," she was a young woman with "spirited determination" who clearly wasn't intimidated by her boss. Their relationship quickly developed into a deep bond built on mutual respect and the occasional sarcastic remark.

Career Growth and Personal Turmoil

By the time the action moves to Sleep Tight, Becky has secured a promotion to Detective Inspector (DI). However, this period of her life is marked by significant personal pain. She had been involved in an affair with a married superior in London, which left her feeling "wretched" and full of "self-loathing."This heartbreak was a major factor in her move from the Met to Greater Manchester Police.

Physically, the stress took a toll; she was described as being "too thin" with eyes that had "sunk into her face. Yet, as the cases progressed, Becky began to reclaim her "sassy" attitude and "boundless energy".

The Physical and Emotional Warrior

Becky has always been a "tough cookie," but she truly proved her mettle in Kill Me Again. In a heroic but reckless move, she dived into a freezing river to save someone, nearly drowning in the process. This resulted in a long recovery from a "vicious parasite" she ingested, leaving her weak and underweight for several months.

Despite these setbacks, she remained "perky as ever" and helped Tom solve the most baffling crimes. In The Sixth Window, she even played matchmaker, setting Tom up with his eventual partner, Louisa.

Motherhood and Maturity

In The Shape of Lies, we see a new side of Becky as she returns from maternity leave. She has a partner, Mark, and a chubby baby boy named George, affectionately known as "Buster". Motherhood didn't dampen her professional edge; she remained "spiky" and "sassy," though she admitted to being more "safety conscious" (and a slightly more careful driver!).

During this phase, her look evolved into "shoulder-length auburn hair" that "bounces on her shoulders". She developed a signature "no-faff" style, often seen in a "conservative black trouser suit" sometimes accented by "extra-long, brightly coloured silk scarves" to hide her post-pregnancy tummy.

Taking the Helm: DCI Robinson

The biggest shift in Becky's career occurs in No More Lies. After a traumatic incident at Rivington where Tom is shot, Becky is appointed Acting DCI. Although she initially felt the promotion was "a punishment" because of the circumstances, she proved to be an excellent leader.

By the end of Whatever It Takes, the transition is complete. Tom resigns from the force to focus on crime prevention, officially handing over his office and his team to Becky, who he admits he "couldn't have done this job without".