Amanda Redman, best known for her roles in New Tricks and The Good Karma Hospital, has admitted she has become more selective about the roles she takes on. The actress, now 68, revealed she cannot imagine anything more 'soul-destroying' than retiring, but noted that she only accepts parts that truly interest her.
Her latest character, Audrey Clement in the adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles' Murder Before Evensong, is a far cry from her iconic DS Sandra Pullman. Audrey is a blunt, no-nonsense mother who speaks her mind, a trait Redman enjoyed playing. 'Parts like that don't come along very often,' she said, adding that the role required her to don a permed wig and matronly outfits, which she relished as it forced her to focus on the character.
Redman also opened up about a personal joy during filming: the birth of her first grandchild, Cora, to her daughter Emily. 'The moment I first saw her I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of love. It almost knocked me off my feet,' she said. The actress, married to second husband Damian Schnabel, reflected on her seamless career, which includes roles in Sexy Beast and At Home With the Braithwaites.
After closing her Artists Theatre School, Redman now runs the ATS Foundation to help actors find work. She revealed she is a fan of Slow Horses and got hooked on Celebrity Traitors, even expressing interest in appearing on the show. The second book in the Canon Clement series has already been optioned for screen, and Redman hopes to reprise her role as Audrey.
