Suranne Jones has been seen on set for the first time as filming for the highly anticipated third series of Doctor Foster finally commenced. The psychological thriller, last broadcast in 2017, was confirmed earlier this year to return for a concluding instalment, much to the delight of fans.
On-Set Appearance in Parminster
Channelling her sinister on-screen character, Suranne arrived on an unassuming street in Parminster, driving a burgundy Porsche. The actress, 47, wore a dark blue navy satin gown for the scenes, making a quick dash into a house while in costume. This marks a significant moment for the series, which has been off-air for nearly a decade.
Return of Gemma Foster
Suranne Jones, known for her role in Coronation Street, plays Gemma Foster, a character who initially suspected her husband Simon, portrayed by Bertie Carvel, of infidelity. The second series concluded dramatically with the couple's son, Tom Foster, running away from his family after enduring the trauma of his parents' toxic split and custody battle.
Fans are eagerly hoping this third and final series will provide answers regarding Tom's whereabouts. It has been confirmed that Tom, now an adult played by Tom Taylor, will appear, adding depth to the storyline.
Cast and Crew Reactions
Last week, Suranne shared that filming was underway by posting a snapshot with her co-stars Tom Taylor and Bertie Carvel. She captioned the image humorously: 'Just your average family trying to work through some s**t…. Nothing to see here!'
Discussing her return to the role, Suranne said: 'When I got the call to ask if I wanted to return as Gemma Foster, I knew the time was right. We needed space from the first two series, and we needed Tom - Gemma and Simon's runaway son - to return as an adult with questions.'
She elaborated on the themes: 'For me, this time around it's about accountability and questioning - 'can we ever truly sever ties with our past and the damage or traumas that haunt us, so we can fully move forward?' Gemma and Simon have so much to unpick!'
Suranne expressed excitement about working again with writer Mike Bartlett and the team at Drama Republic, stating she can't wait to start filming.
Executive Producer's Vision
Executive producer Mike Bartlett added: 'I've always hoped that we'd get to tell the final part of Gemma's story - which is about a woman seeking justice in an unfair world. That feels as relevant now as when Gemma first found a blonde hair on the scarf.'
He continued: 'It's been a joy to team up once again with the hugely talented Drama Republic, the now very grown-up and brilliant Tom Taylor, the inimitable Bertie Carvel and of course, the incomparable Suranne Jones, to tell the final chapter of this story and revisit Parminster - where it turns out there's still secrets, betrayals, vengeance and perhaps one last dinner party…'
BBC's Enthusiasm for the Return
Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, commented on the series' comeback: 'It's a privilege to welcome Doctor Foster back to the BBC after almost a decade away. The extent to which the first two series gripped the nation is a credit to Mike's writing, the talented team at Drama Republic and our magnificent cast – and now we're ready do it one more time in this epic final chapter. Bring it on!'
Executive producers Rosanna Benn and Jude Liknaitzky from Drama Republic shared their excitement: 'We are so excited to be bringing the finale of Doctor Foster to the screen. Mike Bartlett has written thrilling, gripping, audacious scripts that see Gemma and Simon re-encounter one another ten years on and it is electrifying!!! We cannot wait to watch the phenomenal Suranne and Bertie together on screen once again. And to meet the grown-up Tom. It is honestly going to be an amazing ride!'
An air date for the third series of Doctor Foster has yet to be announced, but anticipation is building as filming progresses in Parminster.
