'A punch in the guts': Channel 5’s Kate McCann actress thought of Madeleine 'every day' and said this scene was the worst to film
'It was hard to rein in the emotions'
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, the new Channel 5 drama, stars Laura Bayston as Madeleine McCann’s mother, a role that came with a “huge responsibility” for the actress.
McCann’s disappearance needs barely any introduction. It’s the most widely reported and recognisable missing person case of the 21st century.
However, Channel 5’s Under Suspicion focuses on a lesser-known part of the story: Kate McCann’s interrogation by Portuguese law enforcement. At first, it was just a meeting. But she was later declared an arguida – a formal suspect.
Bayston plays McCann in the drama (now available to stream on Channel 5). Like everyone else, the actress was already acquainted with the case, and she had a “strong sense” of how McCann should be portrayed.
Under Suspicion: Kate McCann actress says this scene was the hardest to film
In Under Suspicion: Kate McCann, it’s clear that Portuguese investigators suspect that Madeleine’s parents played a role in her disappearance.
Their lawyer warns them that they could end up in prison. However, if they admit to covering up Madeleine’s theorised accidental death, they may get a more lenient sentence.
“They have given me an offer for you both, a proposal. If you, Kate, admit that Madeleine died in an accident in the apartment and confess to the hiding and disposing of her body, you will receive a more lenient sentence,” he tells her.
At this point, Bayston’s McCann snaps, calling it “insane” and asking: “How dare they? What about my little girl?”
Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your television news
This effectively happened in real life, too, and the McCanns didn’t accept the deal. They have also repeatedly and adamantly denied any involvement in McCann’s disappearance.
Speaking to Best magazine, Bayston admitted the whole drama was “emotional” to film, but this scene took the most out of her.
“When Kate is presented with her offer by the police, which is to admit guilt, that was truly horrific and an absolute punch in the guts to film,” she said.
“It was hard to rein in the emotions for that one – a mix of utter despair to white rage and back again.”
Kate McCann actress reveals “stunned” reaction to role
Bayston isn’t a novice. She’s appeared in Killing Eve, six episodes of Doctors, and Casualty. However, it’d be fair to call Under Suspicion: Kate McCann her biggest role to date.
During the interview, Bayston spoke about how she was “terrified” by the real-life case, given she has two children of her own.
When she met with the director, Paula Wittig, she was “stunned” after telling her exactly how she wanted to approach playing McCann.
“I felt there was no other way for me to do it respectfully. So, when I was offered the role, yes, I was stunned but also relieved that as a team our views were aligned in approaching such an important story,” she said.
“I did feel the weight to be truthful and authentic to the script, which was brilliantly written. But I also felt a huge responsibility toward Kate, of course. I thought of her and Madeleine every minute of every day while filming.”
Read more: The best movies you can stream for free on Channel 4 now
