Eve Myles Maintained Constant Contact with Real-Life Detective for ITV Thriller Gone
Welsh acting legend Eve Myles has openly discussed her intensive preparation for the upcoming ITV drama Gone, revealing she was in near-constant communication with the real detective whose work inspired the series. The six-part thriller, which also stars Sherwood actor David Morrissey, is scheduled to debut this weekend, drawing from a chilling true crime case.
True Story Basis and Plot Details
The series is heavily inspired by the real-life investigation led by Detective Sergeant Julie Mackay, who solved a cold case murder from the 1980s involving a 17-year-old girl. This narrative is detailed in the book To Hunt a Killer by crime correspondent Robert Murphy, focusing on Mackay's 2009 inquiry into the 1984 murder of Melanie Road in Bath.
In Gone, Myles portrays Detective Annie Cassidy, a determined officer working to unravel the mystery of a missing woman. The plot introduces Michael Polly, a seemingly upstanding community member whose orderly life is disrupted by Cassidy's relentless pursuit of truth, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Beyond the surface-level mystery, the drama delves into profound themes such as trauma, trust, and the enduring impact of elite institutions, adding depth to its thrilling premise.
Myles' Collaboration with Detective Julie Mackay
During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, Myles shared insights into her close relationship with Julie Mackay, whom she described as "the most inspirational, wonderful woman". She emphasized Mackay's pivotal role in her preparation, stating, "She was on call for me 24/7. My first port of call was with Julie."
Myles credited the writing team, including George Kay, and director Richard Laxton for the strong script and direction but highlighted that Mackay's input was crucial for authenticity. "The finer details are what I'm really cued into," Myles explained, noting that Mackay's brutal honesty and generosity with time helped shape a realistic portrayal.
Interestingly, Mackay also made a cameo appearance in the series as a supporting artist in police station scenes, which Myles said heightened the cast's focus on authenticity. "We were all hyper-vigilant, like, 'We've really got to look like police officers now, because she's here.'"
Surprising Plot Twists and Critical Acclaim
Myles expressed her astonishment at the drama's unpredictable narrative, describing it as a "really good thriller" that expertly manipulates audience expectations. She recounted her experience reading the scripts, saying, "I remember reading the first script thinking, 'Yes, I absolutely get this.' And then the second one, I was so wrong - so, so wrong."
By the third episode, she admitted to being completely caught off guard by the twists, praising the series for its "brilliant surprises and shocks" and strong character development. Myles lauded the direction by Richard Laxton, noting the tension and entertainment value that she believes will captivate viewers over the coming weeks.
Premiere Information
Gone is set to premiere on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, March 8, at 9 pm, offering audiences a gripping blend of true crime inspiration and dramatic storytelling. With its foundation in real events and dedicated performances, the series promises to be a standout addition to ITV's thriller lineup.
