Couple Next Door

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Last year, Annabel Scholey became a member of the Mile High Club by shattering the sound barrier (and the soundproofing) in a Concorde’s restroom. This summer, she engages in an impromptu and intimate moment in a bathroom at an upscale event for the steamy thriller The Couple Next Door. Is this becoming a pattern?

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I chuckle as I reminisce about our on-set banter – “Here we go again, in the restroom.” I genuinely hope this will be my last restroom scene. I’ve had my fill, you might say.

In all honesty, bathroom scenes weren’t part of my contract, but this role champions older women, which is fantastic. At 41, it’s no longer a given that one’s sexuality fades by the time they hit their mid-twenties or thirties. Women aren’t confined to a life expectancy of forty.

In the initial run of a provocative drama series, which unfolded within an exclusive Leeds neighborhood, proved to be a massive success for Channel 4. In the subsequent season, Scholey portrays Charlotte Roberts, a surgeon character who is part of a renowned medical duo whose professional and personal lives are profoundly entwined.

When Mia (Aggy K Adams), a nurse who resides near Charlotte and her anesthesiologist spouse Jacob (Sam Palladio) and begins working at their hospital, it guarantees that not a single aspect of the couple’s life – or their physical selves – escapes unchanged.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving into the role of Charlotte, similar to Eleanor Tomlinson’s portrayal of Evie in series one. The script intrigued me, and I found a strong connection with the character, not just in her actions, but in our shared traits – we both share a focused demeanor, a seriousness that resonates deeply. Being from Wakefield like Charlotte and being around the same age, it feels like an almost perfect fit for me to embody this character.

As a native West Yorkshire girl, it’s not often that I get to play characters from my hometown, as people tend to overlook the fact that I hail from there. Yet, I eagerly yearn for a return to my roots, chuckling at the thought, since I currently reside on the boundary of Wiltshire and Somerset. With family members like my parents, sister, and nephew still firmly rooted in Yorkshire, I find myself frequently visiting the place that will always hold a special place in my heart.

In preparation for filming, Scholey witnessed an open-heart surgery that left her astonished. To make matters more challenging, the surgeon involved in this operation was not only a consultant on the series but also portrayed Charlotte’s resident during the procedure, which Scholey found frightening. There were other aspects of the role that caused some anxiety as well.

One significant factor contributing to the initial series’ triumph was its mature portrayal of romantic encounters, characterized by intense passion and desire that captivated audiences. Prior to her chemistry reading with Palladio, where potential leads are tested for compatibility, Scholey revisited the first series as a reminder of what she might be facing. She also consulted her husband Jim about the role, having married him 18 months ago. Unlike her previous husband, who shares custody of their daughter, Jim is not involved in the industry. “I felt it was necessary to confirm his approval too, considering the role involves a lot of intimacy and deals with sexual themes. He’s very supportive.

Vanessa Coffey, our intimacy coordinator, was also part of the team I worked with. I found it a pleasure working alongside Vanessa, especially given that there were some intense sexual scenes. Having her around made me feel secure, and her background as an ex-dancer ensured that these scenes were gracefully orchestrated,” says Scholey, who initially found it challenging to incorporate the roles of these specialists into the work process.

For most part of my professional journey, I’ve managed without one, so making this change was quite an adjustment. It can be challenging when actresses, who have historically handled such situations independently, find themselves working with someone who follows a particular routine. Having a director there, with a keen eye for detail and a focus on maintaining privacy, is actually beneficial. They are fully aware of the terms set out in your contract.

Instead of asking if the feeling of safety eliminates any discomfort when family and friends witness those scenes, you could say: “No, it’s still extremely awkward. I provide my mom with time stamps – ‘Five minutes and 30 seconds, make sure Dad steps out of the room’. Now, I also have to be mindful of my father-in-law, so he too gets time stamps.

The Couple Next Door season 2 will premiere on Channel 4 on Monday 14th July.

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2025-07-08 03:11