Baby Reindeer star says stalker isn't a 'villain' and hopes real person wasn't 'insulted' by Netflix series

The actor who played the role of Martha in Netflix's Baby Reindeer series has expressed her hopes the real woman who inspired the show isn't 'insulted' by it.

Millions of people across the globe have been captivated in recent weeks by Jessica Gunning's portrayal of Martha; a woman who develops an intense obsession with comedian and bartender, Donny, played by real-life victim Richard Gadd.

The Netflix series shows both in-person and digital interactions between the pair, with the exchanges between Martha and Donny becoming more shocking, and leaving viewers more horrified until it all culminates with a shocking final scene.

Viewers have shared all sorts of comments about the series following its release, but now Gunning has shared her thoughts about being the person responsible for bringing Martha to the screen.

Explaining how she felt apprehensive about taking on the role, Gunning told Dazed Digital: "I think when you’re playing something that’s based on a true story, there’s a real sense of responsibility to do justice to all the people involved.

"It’s quite a unique thing because I was working with [Richard], the person whose story it’s based on.

"I just would focus most of the time on the script because it was so incredible. There was so much rich material there."

Richard Gadd played Donny in the series based on his own life. (Netflix)

Gunning went on to describe how she felt a 'sense of responsibility' to do justice to the script, while also making sure Martha 'came across in the most nuanced, complicated way she could'.

In contrast to how some people may feel about her role as a stalker, Gunning expressed belief it would be a 'mistake would be if you played [Martha] as a baddie or as a villain'.

"I think you would lose so much of the nuance that Richard has written into the character," she said.

As for how she thinks the real-life inspiration for Martha may feel about the series, Gunning said she was 'conscious' of the fact she may be watching, but stressed she was 'doing an interpretation of this character', rather than impersonating the person.

Jessica Gunning made clear her portrayal of Martha was a character. (Netflix)

"I did have a sense of responsibility, but from my part, I never, ever saw her as a villain," she said. "I always approached her character with, I hope, a real care for her. I saw all the sides to her.

"I was never trying to do a kind of stereotypical performance. So hopefully if it was watched [by her], it wouldn’t be taken away as an insult.

"It was hopefully a multifaceted portrayal of somebody going through a lot in their life."

Gunning pointed out there was 'no winner' at the end of the series, adding: "I think that’s what's so beautiful about the writing is that you feel for both of them, and both of them are kind of lost.

"I think it’s a caring portrayal of that character and not meant to vilify or drum up any bad feeling about her. "

Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix now.

Topics: Netflix, Film and TV

Emily Brown

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.