ITV viewers have finally recognised the actress who plays the murder victim in The Blame. The new crime drama, starring Michelle Keegan, follows DI Emma Crane (Keegan) and DI Tom Radley (Douglas Booth) as they investigate the death of 16-year-old figure skater Sophie Madsen, played by Matilda Freeman.
According to the show's official synopsis, Sophie is a typical teenager who enjoys TikTok dance challenges and making her friends laugh, but she is also a dedicated athlete. The synopsis adds: "Sophie has been a figure skater from a young age and is focused and determined, which shows in her personal life too. When Sophie comes across an injustice, she vows to do the right thing. But her relentless pursuit of the truth kicks off a chain of events that spiral out of her control."
Why Matilda Freeman looks familiar
Viewers have realised why the 22-year-old actress looks so familiar, as many would have seen her on the cobbles of Weatherfield. Matilda notably played Summer Spellman in Coronation Street, reports the Mirror.
The actress first joined the ITV soap in 2017 and played Summer until 2020. During her three-and-a-half years on the cobbles, Matilda brought several memorable storylines to the screen. Summer notably collapsed after taking drugs, shortly after the death of her father Drew (Tom Goodwin). Matilda was longlisted and later shortlisted for Best Young Actor at the 2017 Inside Soap Awards, and was also shortlisted for Best Young Actor at the 2018 British Soap Awards.
Viewer reactions on social media
After Matilda left the soap to explore new opportunities, she was replaced in the role of Summer by Harriet Bibby, who remains a popular staple on the soap to this day. The Blame viewers were quick to share their surprise on social media after remembering Matilda's stint in Corrie.
"Hold on.. didn't she used to play Summer in Corrie? On episode 4 & I've only just realised. That'll make 3 people in this programme that have been in Coronation Street," one person wrote on TikTok. Another added: "I couldn't believe it." A third said: "Oh my gosh I didn't even catch this." Someone else commented: "Yesssss I was wondering where I knew her from!!!" A fifth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "We watched this last night & I was looking at that photo thinking I'm sure I recognise that little girl!! That makes sense now."
Matilda Freeman on her role as Sophie
Speaking about her role as Sophie in the crime drama, actress Matilda previously said: "Sophie is a 16-year-old figure skater who is the victim of The Blame, but she is so much more than that. That's what drew me to the project - as a character she is very different to what you'd normally expect. Also, I'm always going to want to be a part of a show that explores issues of violence and injustice against women."
On the research she did before appearing in the drama, the star added: "I read a lot of reports that I know were sources of inspiration for the storyline. I also completed some Iris training prior to being cast for this. It's a domestic violence referral programme that the NHS use." The Blame is available to stream on ITVX.
