Joanne Froggatt on how Angela Black ‘opens up conversations’ about domestic abuse

Angela Black: Joanne Froggatt stars in trailer for new drama

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Joanne Froggatt is well known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Liar, but she’s now taken on a new role in ITV’s latest thriller Angela Black. The actress stars as the titular character in the six-part series, which is centred around the topic of domestic abuse. In an interview, Joanne opened up about the dark storyline of the series, explaining what she hopes audiences will take away.

The new drama series follows the life of Angela Black (played by Joanne Froggatt) whose life appears to be perfect.

She’s the mother of two sons and lives with her handsome and highly successful husband Olivier Black (Michiel Huisman).

However, behind closed doors, her life is far from perfect as she’s actually a victim of domestic abuse.

In the opening episode of the series, viewers find out Angela has tried and failed on several occasions to leave her abusive husband.

But, could the discovery of a shocking secret be the push she needs to finally take down her villainous husband?

In a recent interview with Express.co.uk and other press, Joanne explained how much she loves the plot of the series.

The actress detailed how lucky she felt to have the opportunity to portray such a sensitive issue on-screen.

She made it clear that Angela Black is a “piece of entertainment” first and foremost but noted there are other bonuses that can come from the series.

Joanne explained: “The added positive to doing a show like this, that does have a very sensitive subject matter running underneath it, is to hopefully open up conversations within households about domestic abuse and what does constitute acceptable and not acceptable behaviour.”

The actress also detailed her hopes to connect with the viewers at home: “It would be amazing if somebody out there kind of said, ‘Okay, that this makes me feel less alone’.

“That would be, you know, an incredible thing,” she added.

Joanne praised writers Jack and Harry Williams for not only covering such a sensitive subject in the storyline but also for producing such a gripping plot.

Speaking about the first time she read the script, the actress confessed: “I picked up the first episode and I couldn’t put it down!

“That’s always, you know, that’s always the best way for me to tell if I want to do a job or not.

“If I literally can’t put the script down then I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m in! I’m in!’,” she explained.

Joanne continued: “Jack and Harry, just write these incredible twisty-turny thrillers, but also with sort of underlying issues underneath.

“They just really get the levels right, of making it a really exciting piece of entertainment, but also maybe having something more important to think about and running alongside it,” the actress said.

Joanne was cautious not to reveal any spoilers for the series, but teased that her character will go on a “huge journey”.

“She almost has to fall apart to rebuild herself back to where she’s supposed to be. So, it’s quite the journey she goes on,” she remarked.

If you, or someone you know needs help, you can contact the Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0800 2000 247.

Angela Black continues Sunday at 9pm on ITV.

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