Sharon D Clarke says Ellis will spark debate: “It’s not been seen before”

As a long-time fan of gripping detective dramas and a lover of seeing diverse representation on screen, I am beyond thrilled about the arrival of Ellis on Channel 5. Sharon D Clarke‘s leading role as a Black female detective is not just groundbreaking – it’s history in the making!

Tonight, I’m thrilled to tune in to Channel 5 for the debut of the new detective drama, Ellis, airing on October 31st. In this captivating series, Sharon D Clarke takes center stage as our leading lady, a seasoned police officer whose character we follow as she descends into different towns to lend a helping hand in their struggling investigations.

As a dedicated cinephile, I found myself drawn to Clarke’s role in the latest series, Ellis, for its potential to ignite thoughtful discussions – a quality that captivated me instantly while considering my involvement.

I was quite excited because I’d never witnessed anything like this on TV before, and here I am, having the opportunity to do it.

“So, without even seeing a script, just knowing that – for me, it’s a bit of history.”

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess, it’s been extraordinary to witness a Black, strongly-complexioned woman taking center stage in a police drama, a first in my experience. This very fact piqued my interest even before delving into the narrative.

If an individual holds such a vision and aims to share it with the country, I often believe that, when we perform our roles within our profession (acting), we ought to provide entertainment, lift perspectives, stimulate inspiration, offer education, and initiate discourse – spark conversations on diverse topics.

As a passionate film enthusiast, what captivated me instantly about this project was its freshness – something never before seen on the big screen. The allure was so strong, it drew me in completely, long before I had even laid eyes on a single script.

Every week, the fresh three-episode sequence is scheduled to broadcast on Channel 5. In this series, Clarke’s character, Ellis, teams up with DS Harper (played by Andrew Gower). Together, they delve into the mysteries that are confounding these little communities in an attempt to find solutions.

According to the show’s summary, Ellis will need to gain the trust of the local police force and become deeply involved in the mysteries she intends to unravel.

From my perspective as a moviegoer, Detective Ellis, being a Black woman, has faced her fair share of disregard and neglect. Yet, she stands out as an exceptional murder investigator, unwavering in her pursuit of justice and relentless in her mission to apprehend the guilty. Beneath her tough exterior lies a heart full of empathy, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.

Clarke, recognized for her past appearances on shows like Holby City and Doctor Who, has also shared that encountering a genuine Black Detective Inspector for her upcoming series role was an incredibly fortunate experience.

Discussing my conversation with Irene Afful, Clarke mentioned: “She held the position of the first Black female Detective Inspector (DI) in Merseyside, and our chat on Zoom lasted approximately two and a half hours.

She recently shared with me her journey of becoming a member of law enforcement, detailing her process of enlistment, and the two influential detectives who advocated for her promotion to Detective Inspector (DI) and guided her throughout the process.

Despite facing much prejudice earlier, she persisted, finding hope in her ability to bring about change not only for herself but also for her community, as an integral part of this establishment.

Ellis will begin airing at 8pm on Thursday 31st October on Channel 5.

2024-10-31 12:35

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