Suranne Jones

Frauds stars Jodie Whittaker and Suranne Jones as two confidence tricksters

A fresh ITV drama is scheduled to debut tonight (Sunday 5th October), which is certain to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Six-episode series Frauds focuses on two expert con artists named Sam and Bert, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker and Suranne Jones. Suranne also co-created the programme and worked as an executive producer.

The duo are brought back together following their separation during a gruelling ten-year prison term. Bert secures release on compassionate grounds due to a cancer diagnosis, yet she has no intention of taking it easy during her remaining weeks. Rather, she’s determined to execute one last job that will demonstrate her capabilities.

Bert and Sam quickly set out on the most daring of art robberies, assembling a crew of exceptionally talented misfits to assist them in plotting the crime.

“Whilst the team must overcome numerous challenges before they can pull off the heist, it’s the power struggle between Bert and Sam that threatens to derail their plans and destroy them both,” the synopsis concludes, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Alongside Suranne and Jodie, the programme also stars Talisa Garcia as Miss Take, Elizabeth Berrington as Jackie Diamond, and Karan Gill as Bilal Anwar.

The ensemble is rounded out by Thais Martin as Caitlin, Javier Taboada as Blas, Christian Cooke as Deegs, Lee Boardman as Craig, Kate Fleetwood as Celine, Nansi Nsue as Amaya, and Abdul Salis as Mateo.

Where was Frauds filmed?

Frauds was shot in Tenerife earlier this year, highlighting the island’s breathtaking remote terrain and glistening coastline.

Speaking at a recent press event, the show’s co-creator Anne-Marie O’Connor revealed: “The setting of Spain [felt] like a character. How arid it is, how unforgiving it is once you’re outside of the city. And as Brits, we all know Spain, we all know a version of Spain… Once you get outside of that world, you’re back in a very sort of arid landscape.”

Executive producer Katie Kelly chimed in: “We always knew that’s where it would be set, but shooting in Tenerife offered us everything we needed and more. In a small area you can have a sort of Costa del Sol beachside strip full of clubs (with everything from drag clubs to a magician’s show), and then suddenly you can find yourself in what looks like an old Spanish town or up in lush, verdant mountains.

“In developing the show we were also quite influenced by Westerns and in that part of the world you’ve also got these desert landscapes which are vast and feel epic and dry and bring a really interesting flavour and tone to the show.”

Sam’s secluded cottage was located in a quaint northern town named La Laguna.

“It was amazing, but it rained a lot. Didn’t matter – it was stunning. It is literally gonna be in my top five places in life, I loved it so much,” Jodie Whittaker shared.

“I’ve been to the south like as a kid on family holidays and never really realised how much we’re missing out by not heading up north. You know Santa Cruz is a brilliant little city too. That’s a great thing about this job – you get to live in these incredible places for a little window in your life.”

In the series, Bert decides that she wants to steal a famous painting from the Reina Sofía museum in Madrid, where filming actually took place.

“I remember Anne-Marie and I were just walking around the Reina Sofía in the middle of the night, and it was just closed for us,” lead director Giulia Gandini recalled.

She then joked: “And we were just wandering around thinking, ‘Yeah, we could really steal something right now. We could pull this off.'”

Anne-Marie added: “Also, as well, it’s that thing of like, you know, sometimes if you just ask you get. I mean, I wasn’t responsible for asking, but it was like, ‘They said yeah’. And I was like, ‘Alright then. You know we’re nicking a painting out of here, don’t you?'”

As well as making good use of Spain’s stunning landscapes, the team also cast several Spanish actors that “understood the acting and directing style” of the UK-created series.

Frauds will premiere on Sunday 5th October at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX

The BBC has announced the new cast for the third series of Vigil, which will see Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie return as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre

The BBC has revealed the additional cast members joining Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie for the comeback of acclaimed drama Vigil, and amongst the recognisable faces is a beloved Shetland star.

Shetland performers Steven Miller, Killian Coyle and Dawn Sievewright have secured fresh roles on Vigil, with filming for the third series currently taking place in Svalbard and Scotland.

As previously confirmed, Suranne Jones and Rose Leslie are back as DCI Amy Silva and DI Kirsten Longacre.

The six-episode series will witness the pair tackling a fresh investigation at an isolated Arctic research facility, where a member of a secretive British special forces operation has been fatally shot.

The plot summary continues: “Amy and Kirsten will need to catch the killer and diffuse a potential international confrontation, driven by a land-grab for energy and resources in the changing polar climate, with both their careers and relationship on the line.”

In the first-look photograph, Jones and Leslie can be seen on set, bundled up and prepared for action. The snowy setting certainly provides an atmospheric backdrop for an unsettling new tale, reports the Daily Record.

Gary Lewis is back reprising his character as Detective Superintendent Robertson, who has featured throughout every series of Vigil to date.

Dominic Mafham also makes his return as Sir Ian Downing, whilst Orla Russell comes back as Poppy, Amy and Kirsten’s daughter.

The fresh cast for the third series additionally features Jeppe Beck Laursen, Tornike Gogrichiani, Benjamin Wainwright, Artur Zai Barrera, Jordan Duvigneau and Kaisa Hammarlund. As well as Adam Fidusiewicz, Naomi Yang, Eric Godon, Conor Berry, Amy Manson, Jason Tobin, Steven Cree, Derek Riddell, Alma Prelec and Shereen Cutkelvin.

Specifics surrounding their individual characters are being kept secret, though we can expect they’ll all become embroiled in the fresh mystery and potentially find themselves under scrutiny.

Following the announcement that filming had commenced alongside the new ensemble, writer Tom Edge commented: “I’m grateful to the BBC and World Productions for backing the ambition of a story that takes Vigil to the Arctic.

“This series grapples with the issues that will define tomorrow’s world: melting ice caps, conflict over resources, energy wars, and lives put at risk in pursuit of peace and profits.”

Jake Lushington, executive producer for World Productions, remarked: “We are thrilled to be kicking off filming series three of Vigil with Suranne and Rose in the epic arctic landscapes of Svalbard and welcome our most multinational cast to date, as well as featuring new and established Scottish talent.”

Vigil seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Suranne Jones has opened up on her new ITV drama Frauds, which sees her star alongside Jodie Whittaker as two con women who rekindle their friendship to pull off a heist

Suranne Jones has revealed her striking makeover and confessed to feeling “anxious” about her latest ITV drama Frauds.

The forthcoming show features Suranne alongside Jodie Whittaker as a pair of female fraudsters named Bert and Sam, whose poisonous yet wickedly amusing bond is reignited to execute the ultimate robbery.

“Bert and Sam embark on the most audacious of art thefts, gathering a talented team of outcasts to help them plan this audacious crime,” the synopsis continues.

“Whilst the team must overcome numerous challenges before they can pull off the heist, it’s the power struggle between Bert and Sam that threatens to derail their plans and destroy them both.

“Set against the epic rolling hills of southern Spain and the dark criminal underbelly that casts a shadow over the glistening coast, Frauds is a complex and addictive story of friendship, deception and survival”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Frauds is scheduled to launch this Sunday (October 5) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

The six-episode series will then broadcast on Sunday and Monday evenings across three weeks.

During a press conference for the new programme, Suranne discussed juggling her multiple responsibilities, both performing and working behind the scenes.

Beyond portraying Bert, the star also co-developed the show with Anne-Marie O’Connor and acts as executive producer. “Obviously, there’s the pre-planning and there’s the whiteboard stage, and there’s the pouring your heart out and getting all the bits in and then obviously, Anne-Marie goes away and delivers a brilliant script,” she explained.

“When I’m in it, it does become a little difficult because you work at night, work at the weekends… I was being pulled off set and working. It is exhausting, but also, look what we created. I’m really proud of it, I can’t believe we’ve done it.”

Hinting at a particularly gripping moment between the two main characters, Suranne went on: “It has to manifest itself. I felt anxious for the first time watching it… Something has to give with these two and there’s a release in one, but then Bert gets worse.”

Suranne also disclosed the reasoning behind her dramatic makeover into Bert.

In the programme, the 47 year old actress appears completely transformed as she dons a sleek blonde bob instead of her signature dark locks.

Discussing Bert’s bold fashion choices, Suranne revealed that she put together an extensive mood board to help her envision her character’s look, including her significant tattoos.

“She wants to project to the world that she’s dangerous, she’s had this sort of life, but obviously that’s just a projection and then the outfits were part of that. It’s loud. I’m here, you will look at me. It’s all presentation,” she said.

“The blonde came because when Jodie said yes, she said she wasn’t going to dye her hair. So, I assumed she’d be blonde and I was going to have like un undercut. And then I was like, ‘It’s okay. She can stay dark, I’ll go blonde.'”

“And everyone went, ‘What?! You’re gonna look so different!’ And we were like, ‘Exactly, that’s going to work.'”

Executive Producer for Monumental Television Alison Owen added: “Suranne was fierce about the whole look. I mean, every day, weren’t you going through it so minutely. It was a real education for me in seeing someone create a character through your make-up, your hair, your costume, such precision.”

Suranne concluded: “I just knew her. We talked a lot and I just knew that’s what we wanted.”

Frauds premieres Sunday 5th October at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX

Reach Screen Time spoke exclusively to Lucian Msamati about working with Suranne Jones

One of the leading actors from Netflix‘s new adrenaline-fuelled political thriller Hostage, has given us a sneak peek behind the scenes, following lead actress Suranne Jones’ unexpected revelation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In an exclusive chinwag with Reach Screen Time, Lucian Msamati, known for his roles in Gangs of London and Game of Thrones, spilled the beans about the twist-filled series and his experience working alongside the Gentleman Jack star.

Msamati, 49, shared: “I think there was great spark. Suranne and I just got on like a house on fire and we sort of became work husband and wife, which is really at the centre of both of their jobs.

“They’re both hard-headed, they’re both very good at what they do and they both care.”

He hinted: “I think the scenes, without giving too much away, there are later scenes to come which were tough in good way. But that’s the juice that we’re after.”

READ MORE: Inside Netflix’s Hostage star Suranne Jones’ offscreen life from sweet marriage to crippling anxietyREAD MORE: Inside the inspiration for Netflix thriller Hostage

Hostage is a five-part Netflix series and marks Coronation Street and Vigil actress Jones’ first venture with the streaming behemoth.

The star collaborated closely with creator and Oscar-nominated writer Matt Charman, who penned the script for Hollywood film Bridge of Spies, on the story. She also wore the hat of a producer on the TV series.

Msamati portrays prime ministerial aide Kofi Adomako, who is tasked with advising Jones’ British premier Abigail Dalton after her husband is kidnapped and her resignation is demanded as the ransom for his release.

The distinguished British-Tanzanian actor revealed he was attracted to the project by Charman, and disclosed how the playwright rang him about the role which was penned specifically with the star in mind.

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Looking back on his preparation for the character of Adomako, the actor explained: “I think I’ve had the benefit of playing lots of conciliatory types, lots of right-hand, king of the hand type characters. This is watching people who are immediately behind the throne.

“There were some really interesting books, the calculation that has to happen. A person whose job it is to anticipate, the person whose job it is to go, ‘What are the possible outcomes here? Can I get ahead of this?’ Just being, you know, ultimately loyal, ultimately responsible.”

He continued: “And he sort of, for myself, this guys’s been there, he’s done that, several governments, he knows his stuff. We don’t know his political allegiance but we know he’s first duty is to the office of the prime minister.”

Msamati is currently occupied with numerous other ventures and according to IMDb, he will be featuring in the mini-series Run Away.

The star also revealed: “There are a few interesting theatrical projects bubbling and brewing and there may or may not be another well-known television series that may or may not be coming out later this year that I may or may not be a part of. You’ll just have to wait and see.”

The interview coincides with Sky’s confirmation of a fourth season for Gangs of London. However, considering the recent plot developments, it seems improbable that Msamati will make a comeback.

Hostage is streaming on Netflix now

Hostage promises to keep audiences glued to their seats

Julie Delpy, one of the stars of Netflix‘s forthcoming thriller Hostage, has given an insight into her role in the five-part series, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Hollywood actress portrays French President Vivienne Toussaint, a character who veers increasingly to the right in an attempt to placate her adversaries and maintain her grip on power in the brand-new series.

Reflecting on the strains endured by actual politicians, the Before Sunset star confessed she would never venture into politics.

At a recent London screening of Hostage, the 55 year old French-American star told media outlets including Reach Screen Time: “I guess there’s a lot of pressure from outside, people who are pressuring [those] who believe in something.”

The accomplished actress, writer and director went on to say: “[Politicians] know a lot of stuff they want to do is influenced probably by big businesses.

READ MORE: Suranne Jones details challenges of Netflix’s Hostage roleREAD MORE: Suranne Jones set to thrill in gripping Netflix political drama Hostage

“In the US, it’s definitely a lobbying system officially affecting politics, but I think for every president, things come into play that is more than what you as an individual would like to be, and I think the character of Toussaint has gone really far.”

Regarding politicians compromising their principles to hold onto power, Delpy remarked: “Also, I think if you have ethics as a human being and you become a powerful person, who has to do things that are against what they believe in, it must be heartbreaking sometimes.

Get Netflix free with Sky

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from £15

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“You always have to disassociate the human being that you are and the powerful person, who has to also comply to maybe people above you.

“It’s such big businesses in play right now, and presidents have to comply to others probably. I would cry all the time.”

She said she would “hate” to be the president in real-life, explaining: “It’s like the pressure of making decisions, of doing the right thing or the wrong thing.”

She added: “It’s very interesting as someone who makes big decisions, how much you think of it.”

Hostage centres on a fictional British Prime Minister (portrayed by Suranne Jones), whose allegiance to her country faces the ultimate challenge when her spouse is abducted and her resignation is demanded.

Meanwhile, French leader Toussaint finds herself caught up in a blackmail controversy.

The pair will unite in an attempt to confront their shared adversary with everything at stake, including their political futures.

Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats right until the final moments with plenty of shocking revelations and unexpected developments throughout.

Hostage is released on Netflix on August 21

After gracing the Weatherfield cobbles and other hit shows, Suranne Jones stars in Netflix’s political thriller Hostage, sharing the spotlight with a grime star.

Bombshells, diplomacy and danger collide in Matt Charman’s new thriller Hostage – and some grime fans might be surprised to see one of their favourite stars grace the screen.

From the cobbles of Coronation Street to Doctor Foster, Vigil and Gentleman Jack – winning a TV Bafta on the way – Suranne Jones has cemented herself as one of Britain’s best-loved acting talents.

Now, the versatile star is taking on her most powerful role yet – quite literally – as the British Prime Minister in Hostage, Netflix’s explosive new political thriller from Oscar-nominated Matt Charman (Bridge Of Spies).

In Hostage, Suranne plays Abigail Dalton, a politician plunged into chaos when her husband, Dr Alex Anderson, is kidnapped. And she made sure she was thoroughly prepared and did her homework.

“I don’t think I’m allowed to say [who], but I did speak to three really high-up women from different parties,” Suranne, 46, says. “I read their books and I interviewed them, and that was very exciting.”

That attention to detail paid off. Abigail isn’t just a PM fighting for her family – she’s a woman balancing power and vulnerability. Portraying the latter involved getting close to her co-star and on-screen husband, Ashley Thomas, aka grime star Bashy.

“We did chemistry tests, and when he came in, it was just like, ‘Oh, you’re intriguing, handsome, lovely, smart, intelligent,’” Suranne remembers. “And then we met our daughter (Isobel Akuwudike), who is also brilliant. It was her first job.”

READ MORE: Teeth whitening solution so ‘effective’ shoppers of all ages love it is 30% off

Ashley also prepared thoroughly to portray medic Alex. He consulted real-life doctors, but it was the emotional weight of Alex’s kidnapping that hit the hardest.

“That was tough. Putting yourself in those places is heavy – especially as Alex is a father,” says Ashley. “The environment I’ve come from, I’ve witnessed and experienced a lot of trauma, so there were things I was able to pull from.”

While Abigail grapples with domestic turmoil, things aren’t calm across the Channel either. French President Vivienne Toussaint – played by French-American actress Julie Delpy – is battling her own political scandal after being blackmailed.

During a state visit to the UK, Vivienne is forced to work with Abigail to expose a common enemy, despite their vastly different political backgrounds.

“She’s quite conflicted, which I liked,” Julie, 55, says. “She is someone who started out with ideals but had to give up part of what she believes in to get access to power.”

Vivienne is dangerous and captivating – a role that seemed made for Julie, who has spent her career tackling complex characters. “She might not be a very good person, but she’s more than just a bad guy,” Julie adds.

But beneath her icy exterior lies a secret: an age-gap relationship that threatens everything. “A May-September relationship these days isn’t a big deal – but this is a little darker and more complicated than that. A little more destructive,” Julie explains.

“Her husband is key in her ascent to power, so to put herself in this situation and put everything at risk is kamikaze.” Hostage shows Vivienne’s struggle to keep her Achilles’ heel hidden.

“She’s good at handling situations and power, but her weakness is her hidden side,” Julie says. “She’s romantically involved with someone she shouldn’t be and that’s a huge weakness for a politician – especially a woman.”

Before Sunrise actress Julie embraced the opportunity to portray someone morally grey. “I loved the idea of playing someone very different from me,” she says. “She’s not the most likeable of characters, but that’s fine with me.

If they are unlikeable as a person, you find a way to approach them as a human being. When I played a Nazi character, she was obviously repulsive, but then you have to think that she sees it differently.”

Despite Vivienne’s complicated personality, Julie found herself intrigued by her. “It was interesting to see someone that seems so rational and together, but behind the mask, her life is a mess,” she says.

“I’m the opposite – I look messy and crazy, but I would never do what she does!” And when it comes to politics? “I’m not interested at all [in politics] because of the compromises you would have to make. I don’t even do that in the movie business, and you see a lot of people give up their morals to succeed. I’m not able to do that. I’m just not that kind of person.”

Julie’s first day of filming for Hostage set the tone that the tense series demanded. “I’m always nervous, and not just on the first day,” she admits.

“My first day on Hostage was a kissing scene – so it was even more stressful than usual. I didn’t know this person so I had to switch off my mind a little.”

If that wasn’t enough, the role involved linguistic hurdles, too. Julie had to learn the more official, formal speeches in English. “Those are hard enough in your own language, but to do them as a non-native speaker was tough,” she says.

Luckily, the tension on screen was offset by the real-life camaraderie with her castmates – particularly Suranne. “She’s a lovely person and a great actress,” Julie says.

“Sometimes, it takes a little time to find your way with certain people, but with Suranne it was immediate. I like communication to be quick and fast and clear, I have no time for ego and she’s like that as well. So it made it very easy.”

The friendly feelings appear to be mutual. Suranne revealed during a recent appearance on the Table Manners podcast, “There were a lot of unrepeatable stories, told in the make-up trailer. Julie would be talking in the corner, and then everyone would go quiet!”

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Suranne Jones will be playing fictional British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton on the political thriller series where the head of government faces difficult decisions when her husband is kidnapped

Netflix has released first look images of Hostage, a new political thriller starring Suranne Jones in her first-ever project for the streaming platform.

The five part series will see Jones take on the role of British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, who finds herself in crisis when her husband is kidnapped. French screen queen Julie Delpy will co-star as fictional French President Vivienne Toussaint, who is blackmailed around the same time.

Both women end up having to make very difficult decisions which put their political reputations on the line. Netflix’s synopsis teases: “When the British Prime Minister’s husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices.

“Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?”

The series is written by Bridge of Spies and Treason creator Matt Charman, with Jones doubling up as an executive producer. The Vigil and Doctor Foster star has opened up about the project, saying: “I’m thrilled to be on Netflix, in something I’m really proud of. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

“We’d talked about projects previously, but for me it was about finding the right thing. Hostage was perfect – me and Matt together backed up by this brilliant, supportive team. I loved it.”

Charman praised Jones’s performance, saying: “I’ve been dying to find the right story to tell with Suranne and I honestly believe what she’s done with this character is going to blow the Netflix audience away. An embattled British PM in the middle of a fight for her country and her family – she’s fierce, ruthless and you can’t take your eyes off of her.”

Julie Delpy will also be joining Jones on screen alongside a star-studded cast that also includes Queen Charlotte’s Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati (Gangs of London), Ashley Thomas (The Ipcress File), James Cosmo (Shetland), Martin McCann (Blue Lights), and Jehnny Beth (An Impossible Love). Hostage will premiere on Netflix on August 21.

Suranne Jones has also recently joined the cast of a new ITV heist drama, Frauds. She will be starring as Bert, a criminal who ended up in a Spanish prison for a decade but still has plans to complete one final big job when she gets out of lockup.

The actress spoke about the show, which she is starring in alongside Jodie Whittaker, saying: “Working on Frauds with Anne-Marie and Monumental for the last two years has been a wild ride. We took the idea of toxic female friendship and turned it on its head to give the heist genre an emotional heartbeat.

“I have always wanted to work with Jodie, and now I am. I hope you love Bert and Sam and all they get up to as much as we do.”

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