Suranne Jones’s political thriller Hostage affirms her key belief: “I would never want to be prime minister”

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From Coronation Street to the heart of London’s government at Downing Street, the meteoric rise of Suranne Jones continues unabated, as she now assumes leadership – a role not sought through audition, but bestowed upon her. Amidst the grandeur of Netflix’s London headquarters, she chuckles, saying “No!” while seated in an elegant suite.

For a long time, Matt Charman, the talented writer, and I have been friends. We’ve often discussed collaborating on a project, and recently, I felt the urge to create a political drama. I’ve always admired shows that delve into the inner workings of power structures. Given Matt’s impressive work on Bridge of Spies and Treason, it seemed like he was the perfect choice for our collaboration. We brainstormed ideas back and forth until we hit upon the concept of me portraying a prime minister in our project.

Instead of being the solitary Margaret Thatcher-like figure, I preferred to work alongside another powerful female leader. That’s what makes this situation unique. The Netflix series “Hostage” revolves around the dynamic between Abigail Dalton, the British prime minister (portrayed by Jones), and Vivienne Toussaint, France’s female president (played by Julie Delpy).

In the future, women will work in unity rather than being set against one another. Initially, they might find themselves competing, but eventually, they will understand their potential for mutual aid and cooperation. Jones remarks, “At first, these two women are tricked into competition, but later on, they come to appreciate each other and recognize the benefits of working together.

To understand the role, we engaged with influential individuals, including Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer, and others in positions of authority. We visited the House of Commons and observed debates between them, met with Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, and researched leaders like Nicola Sturgeon, Jacinda Ardern, Theresa May, and Lucy Powell. The process was enjoyable and thought-provoking, inspiring reflections on what it signifies to be a powerful woman and the potential costs associated with such a role.

Prime Minister Dalton carries personal responsibilities: her spouse Ashley Thomas, a doctor for Médecins sans Frontières, their child, and Max (James Cosmo), an elderly relative. Each of them faces difficulties due to her position as prime minister. “Everything revolves around you, your family dynamic, the struggle women face in balancing work and home life, the price that’s paid, how one wants to be presented, how society perceives a woman, and the battles one must fight before even starting the day. All of this happens before you slip on your shoes. And sometimes, you might not want to put on your shoes or power suit. However, it is necessary to do so in order to make an impact in the room.

In a subtle yet significant manner, clothing assumes a pivotal role. Delpy’s character exudes an elegant charm reminiscent of Catherine Deneuve, often seen in navy and ivory couture. On the other hand, Jones embodies a smart, everyday elegance that one might associate with Marks & Spencer.

The French president’s effortless elegance was crucial as her character is self-assured, and being older, she carries an air of wisdom. Yet, she still grapples with personal life issues. For Delpy’s character, we opted for high-street clothes and British designer pieces. Initially, she appears in a Reiss suit paired with a Bella Freud shirt. However, following an interaction with the French president, her attire subtly elevates to reflect the occasion.

Jones portrays a politician who initially embodies noble ideals and principles. However, as the character navigates the political landscape, they encounter situations where compromise is inevitable, even against their will. This can lead to a shift in public perception as promises made during the election campaign may not always be feasible to fulfill once elected.

“What fascinated me about politicians was the optimism they bring when running for office and the pledges they make. But once elected, the reality sets in – you find yourself having to tell the world, ‘Regrettably, we can’t carry out what I promised during the campaign.’ This often leads voters to reconsider their opinion of the politician, as expectations may not always be met.

Is there a chance she would consider becoming Prime Minister? Not at all, it’s not something I aspire for, even temporarily.” Because politicians might not always be honest? “Well, they could potentially be truthful, but we’d surely find it surprising, wouldn’t we? Also, I prefer to retire early and usually hit the sack by 9pm. That’s another reason why I can’t imagine myself as Prime Minister. The amount of reading that needs to be done late at night is overwhelming. I can’t fathom how they manage it.

The title of the show is “Hostage,” and it’s not just her husband who is held captive; Dalton is also metaphorically a hostage to her job. She’s bound by Number Ten and its rules, which can be incredibly demanding. It seems that women, particularly in positions of power like the PM, face more pressure. Breaking down the patriarchy isn’t effortless; it’s a challenging task. When a woman asserts herself, there are numerous expectations she must meet. Abigail Dalton presents one face to the cameras but behind closed doors, she lets loose with colorful language, demonstrating her humanity.

Born and nurtured in Chadderton, Greater Manchester, Suranne Jones embarked on her acting journey following her stint with Oldham Theatre Workshop and a BTEC in Performing Arts. She immediately dived into the profession, starting with “Coronation Street” and climbing up the ladder. For her, “Corrie” was like a personal university where she thrived, and she held it dearly. Her passion for theater was equally fervent and cherished during this phase of her career.

Known primarily for her captivating performances in television dramas, many recognize her from roles such as Detective Rachel Bailey in Scott & Bailey, GP Gemma Foster in Doctor Foster (which earned her a BAFTA), and more recently Vigil and Gentleman Jack. Alongside her husband Laurence Akers, she co-owns the cleverly named production company, TeamAkers.

The movie, Hostage, boasts not just two remarkable female leads, but a team filled with women. The film has two female directors, and the reason behind this choice is simple: I aimed for top talent for the roles – and in my opinion, the most talented individuals were women. Netflix shared this viewpoint. By not employing female writers, directors, or camera operators, we’re stifling the growth of new female talents in the industry. We need to invest in training women, but that’s not all – we also require more seasoned women on screen.

Instead of appearing like elderly women, it seems you’ve chosen to embrace those characteristics that might be associated with an elderlady, given your aversion to cosmetic procedures such as Botox.

As a cinephile, I’ve always admired Jones’ impeccable career path thus far. But now, with a nine-year-old son in tow, things are shifting. Instead of just pursuing opportunities, I find myself contemplating what will truly bring me joy. Consequently, I take summers off to spend quality time with my son who is on vacation. I only return to work when he’s back at school.

During the summer, Suranne and her spouse will lend a hand at a neighborhood theater in Norfolk. As someone who was shaped by growing up in a tight-knit, working-class community in the north, community holds great significance for her. “Growing up, my mother and aunts would often visit each other’s homes. You see, when we were young, they all needed help, and they were all busy women. As time went on, our cousins had children, and those cousins would come to the aunts’ houses with their little ones since they needed a break. The women in our family would always band together to help. I believe that experience gave me a profound understanding of what community truly means.

The theater community played a significant role in her personal growth as well. She wasn’t particularly inclined towards academic subjects like math and science; instead, she found her passion in acting, which allowed her to express herself creatively and emotionally. Finding a community where she could share her unique voice was crucial, as it helped her realize her value and importance within that group.

Discovering that you’re an integral part of something can be incredibly rewarding for a child. Right now, I’m instructing children in drama, which I find incredibly fulfilling. It’s truly enchanting to observe the transformation in a child’s eyes as they find a means to express themselves. It’s one of the most breathtaking experiences.

In today’s fast-paced world where social media and advancements in AI and technology are rampant, keeping communities intact is vital. Unfortunately, we’ve lost so much along the way.

Simplifying things and fostering community spirit is something that resonates with me deeply. In Norfolk, for instance, there’s a locally managed café and a Little Theatre that we contribute to, both of which are community-driven. The entire world seems to be encompassed within these spaces.

In a fictional setting, Suranne Jones might appear as a prime minister on television. However, this coming summer, she’ll likely be found lounging on the beach, grabbing a bite at local fish-and-chips shops, enjoying arcade games, taking an evening bath at 8pm, and tucked in bed by 9pm. To put it casually, she enjoys her time at the beach, local eateries, amusement parks, a nightly soak, and retires early because her mornings start so early that by 4pm, she’s feeling tired. Fortunately for us, our meeting today happened at 11am!

“Don’t forget to add ‘Hostage’ to your list on the TopMob: What to Watch app – grab it today for personalized daily TV suggestions, highlights, and additional content!

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2025-08-12 03:06