Latest news with #LauraAikman
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Disney+ Suspect release date, cast, trailer, plot: Everything you need to know
Disney+ is gearing up to release Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes, which stars the likes of Russell Tovey, Max Beesley and Laura Aikman. Suspect is set to drop on Disney+, a gripping drama that explores the tragic killing of Jean Charles De Menezes. Penned and executive produced by Jeff Pope, known for his work on Philomena and Stan And Ollie, Suspect takes viewers on a journey through the aftermath of the 2005 London bombings and the death of Brazilian Jean Charles De Menezes who was tragically mistaken for a terrorist. The drama, brought to life by an ensemble cast, portrays the errors that led to his death and how memories, "both accurate and distorted" can morph into fact. Disney+ Suspect release date Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes is set to be released on Wednesday, 30th April, on Disney+. This limited series is a four-part drama with all episodes being released at once, allowing subscribers to binge-watch the entire series in one go if they so choose. Disney+ Suspect cast Disney+'s Suspect boasts a star-studded cast, each portraying real-life individuals in this graphic reenactment of events. Game Of Thrones actor Conleth Hill plays the role of then Met Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, with Years and Years and Being Human's Russell Tovey as his deputy assistant commissioner Brian Paddick and The Gentleman star Max Beesley as assistant commissioner Andy Hayman. Des, The Long Shadow and A Thousand Blows star Daniel Mays will be taking on the role of principal forensic investigator Cliff Todd in the upcoming series. Gavin And Stacey's Laura Aikman will portray Lana Vandenberghe, a secretary at the Independent Police Complaints Commission who plays a crucial part in the aftermath of Menezes' death. The Crown's Alex Jennings will play barrister Michael Mansfield KC, representing Menezes' family at his shooting inquest, while Paddington In Peru's Emily Mortimer will depict Cressida Dick, the Gold Commander of the surveillance operation pursuing those believed to be behind the bombings. Newcomer Edison Alcaide will portray Menenzes himself, marking his first-ever onscreen role in this Disney+ drama. What viewers can expect from Suspect on Disney+ The series follows the terrifying London bombings on July 7, 2005, and a subsequent failed set of planned attacks, leading to one of the UK's largest ever manhunts and a covert surveillance operation led by Commander Cressida Dick (played by Emily Mortimer). The synopsis further reveals: "As tension and uncertainty rises across the nation, a series of extraordinary events unfolds, and the actions of the Metropolitan Police leads to a critical misidentification. "Jean Charles de Menezes, an innocent young Brazilian electrician on his way to work, is mistaken for a terrorist and fatally shot at Stockwell station. "In the wake of these tragic events, Independent Police Complaints Commission secretary Lana Vandenberghe (Laura Aikman) makes a life-changing decision, and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick (Russell Tovey), in a police force engulfed by crisis, fights for the truth to prevail. "What follows is a family's fight for justice and answers, and a long-fought struggle to bring clarity to a situation clouded by disinformation."
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gavin & Stacey star feared co-star was 'alien' as they 'exploded' on-screen
Laura Aikman, who recently captivated viewers as the scheming bridezilla Sonia in the Gavin & Stacey finale, is set to grace our screens once more, this time as a villainous character. Fresh off her role that left fans agog when she turned up as Smithy's unexpected bride on Christmas Day, Laura Aikman is now taking on the part of Rachel Duffy in the gritty new BBC One drugs drama This City Is Ours. Juggling roles, Laura was filming for the high-stakes series alongside her work on Gavin & Stacey last year. She quips about her characters, "It was the year of the bitch," finding the roles deliciously fun to dive into. READ MORE: Emmerdale legend Lisa Riley issues warning after being targeted by 'devastating' scam READ MORE: 'So comfy and chic' jeans loved by Jess Wright have 'generous sizing' and won't break the bank While Sonia was what Laura fondly dubs a "rotter", her new character Rachel is steeped in darkness, harbouring dreams of climbing the ranks within Liverpool's murky drug trade. The show also features Sean Bean as the formidable gang boss Ronnie Phelan and Julie Graham as his spouse Elaine, with Laura's Rachel being their ambitious niece. Sharing the set with the esteemed Sean Bean, 65, was a surreal experience for Laura, who was mesmerised by how he could switch from being "lovely and sweet" off-camera to a ferocious gangster Ronnie at a moment's notice. Laura marvels at his talent, saying, "It was so amazing on the days when we did see him turn and get really angry," which served as a stark reminder of his acting prowess, given how different it is from his real-life persona. In This City Is Ours, Laura portrays a woman eager to stake her claim in the family empire. "She's waiting to pick her moment and she feels she's been very patient," reveals Laura. "As the series progresses, that patience wears thin and you see her become more determined in pursuing her desires. She's relentless." Off-screen, Laura, 39, is a vibrant and friendly personality who enjoys her leisure time with actor hubby Matt Kennard and their adorable French bulldog Eric. This month, they're raising a glass to 18 years of togetherness and a decade of marital bliss. Last year, filming commitments often kept them apart, so they chose to wrap up the year by reconnecting in an off-the-beaten-path adventure - a scenic yet gruelling 12-day hike through Nepal's Himalayan Annapurna Circuit. This trekking tradition was born out of their post-wedding escapade. "After we tied the knot, we embarked on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu," shares Laura. "It felt like a honeymoon and I became addicted to these adventurous holidays. We conquered Kilimanjaro four years ago, then jetted off to Nepal at the end of last year after wrapping up Gavin & Stacey and This City Is Ours, which were filmed concurrently." This getaway not only allowed Laura and Matt to rekindle their bond but also provided a much-needed escape from the pressures of their acting careers - something a beach holiday could never offer. Laura enthuses, "It was extraordinary. "It was amazing to be amidst the mountains and just reconnect with each other because our work often keeps us apart for significant periods." Laura turned into a familiar face on the telly when she grabbed the role of junior doctor May Phelps in Casualty between 2009 and 2010, her career rocketed as she went on to feature in The Job Lot, Bluestone 42, starred in the Cary Grant inspired series Archie, and bagged a part in ITV's retro robbery drama Joan. Disney+ just spilt the beans this month that Laura snagged a part in their upcoming intense series Suspect: The Shooting Of Jean Charles De Menezes, joining an all-star cast including Daniel Mays, Russell Tovey, and Max Beesley. Yet, Laura spills that sometimes nerves about nailing the next gig creep in. "Being an actor comes with a certain level of anxiety about when that next job is going to come, and trekking really takes you away from it and makes you commit to not being even remotely in that headspace," Laura dishes out, mentioning her daily sweat sessions to keep a clear head. "And when you're off on a beachy getaway, which I'm totally up for too, you simply can't ditch your phone, so it's trickier to chuck your work worries into the bin for a while." There was also a moment when acting jobs seemed to dry up, leading Laura to ponder swapping scripts for spatulas. "I've done so many other jobs, but all of them absolutely dreadfully," Laura painfully recalls. "There was a brief period of unemployment about 10 years ago when I considered baking cakes for a farmers' market but I think I'd be the size of a house if that had worked out."
