Daniel Mays has confessed to feeling "absolutely terrified" upon reading the script for his upcoming ITV drama, Believe Me, in which he portrays the notorious convicted offender John Worboys, infamously known as the "black cab rapist." The actor, with 26 years of professional experience, admitted he underestimated the profound emotional impact the role would have on him.
A Disturbing and Personal Connection
Mays explained that his fear stemmed from a deeply personal place as a father. "My head immediately went to my 13-year-old daughter Dixie," he said. "She's venturing out, going on trains, and before long, no doubt she'll be in the back of a taxi. So as a father, I found it an incredibly disturbing and terrifying read." This connection made the script particularly unsettling, highlighting the real-world implications of Worboys' crimes.
The Challenge of Humanising a Monster
Playing John Worboys, who was convicted in 2009 for sexual assault and drugging with intent against 12 women, presented a unique challenge. Mays noted that upon his casting announcement, he faced a "tirade" from family, friends, and colleagues questioning why he would take on such a role. "The challenge was to humanise him, really, and that was a very difficult and unsettling thing to take on," he revealed. The character's isolating nature made the preparation process mentally taxing, with the actor describing it as "a difficult thing to have rolling around in my head before filming."
Focus on the Victims' Ordeal
The four-part series, filmed in Cardiff, centres on the experiences of victims Sarah and Laila, played by Aimée-Ffion Edwards and Aasiya Shah, respectively. It delves into how their allegations of sexual assault by Worboys were not thoroughly investigated, shedding light on systemic failures. ITV has stated that the drama "tells the story of how the victims of one of the most prolific sex attackers in British history were failed by the system."
Unprecedented Responsibility for Accuracy
Mays, known for roles in Des and A Thousand Blows, emphasised the immense responsibility involved in portraying a real person on screen, calling this role "a whole other level." He explained, "This is told from the perspective of the victims, and for them to tell their truth, have their stories told – the ordeals that they went through and the fight they took on against the Metropolitan Police and the court systems. So, when you're dealing with that, the onus was on me to get it absolutely 110% right. That was paramount to me."
Believe Me is set to premiere soon on ITV1, aiming to bring attention to the victims' struggles and the broader issues of justice and accountability. For those affected by similar issues, Victim Support offers free, confidential advice.
