Until I Kill You star chose not to meet real Delia Balmer to research role

As a dedicated fan of gripping true crime dramas, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming ITV series “Until I Kill You.” With Anna Maxwell Martin and Shaun Evans at the helm, this four-part series promises to be a riveting exploration of the harrowing tale of Delia Balmer’s ordeal at the hands of serial killer John Sweeney.

In the upcoming ITV true crime series titled “Until I Kill You,” Anna Maxwell Martin assumes the main role. This gripping drama is based on the heart-wrenching true story of Delia Balmer’s harrowing ordeal at the hands of serial killer John Sweeney.

However, while getting ready for her character portrayal, the actress behind Line of Duty and Motherland confessed that she never had a chance to encounter the real Delia personally.

Martin stated to ITV in the show’s press kit that he did not discuss with Delia prior to filming because he usually plays real characters without having previously met them. This is simply his approach to acting.

In my possession is a wealth of footage captured by our writer, Nick [Stevens], during his interactions with Delia. Though I had a fleeting encounter with her during the filming process, it was merely because she expressed an interest in touring the set, and I made sure to maintain the necessary respect during that time.

Martin elaborated: “Rather than delving deeply into abusive relationships, I concentrated more on the character herself, her reactions, and her interactions with others.

After that, make an effort to depict the person’s actions and reactions as authentically as possible.

Until I Kill You star chose not to meet real Delia Balmer to research role

The four-part drama unfolds, drawing inspiration from Balmer’s book “Living with a Serial Killer.” It delves into Delia’s personal odyssey, as she navigates the complexities of the police and legal system in an effort to bring Sweeney (portrayed by Shaun Evans) to justice for his heinous acts.

In a surprising turn, Evans, famed for his starring role in Endeavour, steps into the part of the killer, and moreover, he admitted that he didn’t delve into the role as thoroughly as some might assume.

When queried regarding the research resources he utilized prior to taking on the role, Evans admitted, “To tell the truth, I usually don’t approach things like that. It’s not that I’m undermining its importance, but it’s simply not a method that suits my personal style.

In my view, the potential of imagination knows no bounds. However, my priority lies in crafting our narrative to feel as authentic as it can, rather than strictly focusing on the historical accuracy of a character or figure that might have been present.

It seems crucial that you focus on the daily aspects of our work. To put it simply, much of it required a great deal of creative thinking or visualization.

The brief summary for the four-part series goes like this: “In 1991, Delia lives a wandering and isolated existence in London, working as a nurse through an agency. When she encounters another free-spirited individual named John Sweeney in a local pub, it appears that she has found the connection she’s been longing for.

In the course of their growing bond, Sweeney’s bohemian, rebellious character transforms into something more sinister, reaching its peak with a sequence of brutal assaults on Delia. During these attacks, he confesses to having murdered his previous girlfriend and dumping her body in an Amsterdam canal.

Sweeney gets arrested, but because the court underestimates his danger level, they release him on bail. Immediately after, he chases down Delia and inflicts a terrifying, almost lethal assault on her. Miraculously, she pulls through, but Sweeney manages to slip away undetected.

After the ordeal and wounds inflicted by Sweeney, Delia courageously endeavors to reconstruct her existence. However, seven years later, Sweeney reappears and is apprehended for the murder of a different girlfriend in North London.

Once more, Delia’s delicate progress towards healing is disrupted when she is compelled to confront Sweeney in a public trial, and her testimony plays a crucial role in the prosecution’s case against him.

Here’s a tale about a woman who showed extraordinary resilience, enduring both physical and emotional hardships, even when the systems supposed to safeguard her let her down.

Starting this Sunday, 3rd of November, all the way through until Wednesday, you’ll find me glued to ITV1 and ITVX as ‘Until I Kill You’ unfolds from 9pm each night.

2024-10-30 15:39

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