Tracy Spiridakos Gears up for New Season of Chicago P.D.

Tracy Spiridakos is endearing off-screen. The Manitoba native speaks fluent Greek, posts photos of her rottweiler, Nala, on Instagram and indulges at her favorite spot, The Purple Pig, “a lot—maybe too much,” she concedes. But she still envies the no-nonsense detective she plays on Chicago P.D. for one trait in particular: “Hailey is very unapologetic about who she is,” Spiridakos says. It’s been two years since the role brought the actress to Chicago at the start of the fifth season, her first as a series regular. Back then, she worried about her place on a set where “everyone already knows everyone,” she says. “You’re kind of the new kid at school.” Now, though, Hailey Upton has her own fan base, and her storyline oozes with intrigue, complete with a recently ended romance. Hailey joins Spiridakos’ list of memorable roles, including those on Revolution and Bates Motel, which brought her to Austin and Vancouver, respectively. After falling for Chicago, though, it’ll be difficult to pull her away from P.D.’s bustling setting. “I enjoyed it here from the get-go,” she recounts. “And I still do.” Season seven of Chicago P.D. premieres Sept. 25 on NBC