TALE OF TERROR

Anna Maxwell Martin stars as the brave survivor of a serial killer whose story is retold in this chilling new drama

- ALICE PENWILL

Anna Maxwell Martin has played a plethora of real-life people in her acting career, from Cassandra Austen in Becoming Jane to journalist Heather Brooke in On Expenses and Sally Keys in Reg. But none of those compare to her latest compelling role in ITV1’s Until I Kill You.

Anna plays Delia Balmer in the drama based on a shocking true story of how she survived a serial killer. But until she was approached for the role, Anna had never heard the dark tale.

“I actually live in Kentish Town where this is set, where Delia lived, and I didn’t know anything about it,” admits Anna, 47. “So when I read the script, I was very much in shock and awe. Delia is a real person, an amazing and exceptionally brave person.”

The four-part series tells the story of Delia, an agency nurse, who in the 90s survived a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney. The story follows her traumatic journey through the police and criminal justice system as they attempt to prosecute John for his crimes.

Playing sinister John is the star of Endeavour, Shaun Evans, 44, who is absolutely terrifying when he steps into character.