The Stolen Girl Star Worked With Ex-Police Officer Who Inspired Happy Valley

The exciting new Disney Plus series, titled “The Stolen Girl,” unfolds around a global manhunt initiated following the abduction of a young girl during a slumber party with her new classmate.

🚨 BREAKING: Trump's Tariffs May Rock EUR/USD!

Shocking new analysis predicts massive volatility ahead. Markets brace for impact!

View Urgent Forecast

In this setup, Denise Gough and Jim Sturgess take on the roles of the child’s parents, whereas Holliday Grainger portrays the kidnapper, and Ambika Mod assumes the character of investigative journalist Selma.

Heading up the British investigation is Shona, a police officer played by Bronagh Waugh.

Currently, it’s been disclosed that Sally Waugh collaborated with former DI and friend of Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, Lisa Farrand, on the show. Interestingly, Farrand served as a significant influence for the character of Sarah Lancashire’s renowned police officer in the series, Catherine Cawood.

Waugh found it particularly appealing to collaborate with Lisa Farrand on this project, as she is a former Detective Inspector from the Yorkshire Police, whose character inspired Sarah Lancashire’s role in Happy Valley.

For quite some time, I’ve harbored the desire to collaborate with her. So, when the opportunity finally arose, I was absolutely thrilled – it was like meeting my idol!

She added: “I found it exhilarating to possess that exclusive information, right down to the specific type of suit Shona was wearing. Lisa commented, ‘It would be a suit from Next or another high-street retailer. And you may find it slightly disheveled because you’re overworked and putting in long hours.’

In my efforts to make Shona appear more authentic, I found numerous minor aspects to absorb. I was frequently glancing around the room to check on Lisa’s mood. If she signaled her approval with a nod, I would feel confident, saying to myself, “I’ve got it right!

In her own words, Waugh, who’s no stranger to portraying police characters, shed light on some insights gained during The Stolen Girl production, particularly emphasizing the global aspect of the probe and the chase for the missing girl.

She clarified, “This job had a unique international aspect – it involved figuring out how Europol collaborates with the UK police. This experience helped me grasp the cumbersome administrative procedures, which I believe may have contributed to the family’s exasperation over the slow pace of progress.

Additionally, it appears they lean more on Selma, an individual who operates independently without needing approval or aid from others. I found this aspect quite intriguing. It seems like a constant hassle for people in Shona’s position, as they aim to perform their duties efficiently but are burdened with paperwork, filling out forms, and coordinating with officers.

Read More

2025-04-16 09:34