Kate Atkinson: On a roll

THE IN-DEMAND ACTRESS OPENS UP TO WHO ABOUT PLAYING A CONTROVERSIAL REAL-LIFE CHARACTER

- Kylie Walters

Starring in crime dramas is nothing new for Kate Atkinson, who portrayed prison guard Vera Bennett for eight seasons on Wentworth. But in her latest role the Australian actress is playing a controversial real-life character, financial advisor Melissa Caddick.

The mysterious November 2020 disappearance of the high-profile Sydney con-woman gripped the nation, and now the story behind the headlines is being told in the newest instalment of the Underbelly franchise, Vanishing Act. While playing one of the most notorious women in the country is no easy task, the Jack Irish star says she's up for the challenge.

"I looked at the script with equal parts of excitement and intrigue and a little bit of trepidation,” the 49-year-old star tells WHO. “But selfishly speaking, actors relish taking on roles where you get to explore a complex part of human nature or a nature that isn't your own."

The season will see the true crime-drama series return to screens for the first time since 2013. The award-winning show has previously told the stories of the Melbourne gangland murders and the taking down of notorious Sydney underworld figure Anthony Perish.