Game of Thrones star Iwan Rheon has described the 'bizarre' experience of filming the new BBC thriller The Rapture in Port Talbot during a 35-degree Celsius heatwave. The five-part series, set to air on BBC One from Sunday, July 26, features an ensemble cast including India Amarteifio and Ruth Madeley.
Cast and Filming Locations
The Rapture was filmed across South Wales, with locations including Margam Park, Port Talbot, and Dragon Studios. Rheon, who plays journalist Dick Carwyn, told the BBC: 'It's always nice to come back and film in Wales. There have been quite a variety of locations. Margam Park is really nice. We filmed a lot in Port Talbot, and it was like 35 degrees, which is bizarre, because I don't think it's ever been that hot there!' He added: 'But yes, it's quite nice to be in various locations all around South Wales. And Dragon Studios, of course. It's been lovely. I love coming back here.'
Lead Actors Share Their Experiences
India Amarteifio, best known for starring in Netflix's Queen Charlotte, plays 17-year-old Bethany Krall. She also praised the Welsh setting: 'I've filmed briefly in Wales before, but this is the first time I've spent a longer period here, and it's been unreal. I'm such a country girl, so it's been perfect. I've been staying on a farm, so after a really intense day, going back to see the horses, the cows, and the beautiful green meadows has been amazing. I've also loved learning more about Wales by being here and speaking to the crew and cast.'
Ruth Madeley, known for Years and Years, stars as Dr Gabs Fox, a psychiatrist left paralysed after a car accident that killed her husband. She is assigned Bethany Krall, a teenager sectioned for murdering her mother two years earlier. The case gained national attention because Bethany's father, Leonard Krall (Sam Hazeldine), leads a spiritual movement with millions of online followers.
Plot and Themes
Bethany claims to experience visions of the future, depicted through disturbing sketches of catastrophic events, and appears to know intimate details about Dr Fox's life. Despite nurse Rafiq insisting the predictions always come true, Gabs remains sceptical and seeks a rational explanation. The synopsis teases: 'As the heat intensifies, Gabs begins to notice unsettling connections between Bethany's prophetic drawings and the world outside, forcing Gabs to re-examine her assumptions. Could Bethany be innocent after all? If she didn't kill Carys Krall, who did and why?'
Determined to uncover the truth, Gabs delves into the Krall family's past, enlisting journalist Dick Carwyn (Iwan Rheon) and engineer Frasier Melville (Jack Farthing). The series questions whether Bethany is telling the truth or manipulating those around her.
Supporting Cast and Broadcast Details
The ensemble cast includes Stephen Campbell Moore, Lisa Palfrey, Siena Kelly, Naby Dakhli, Richard Elis, Dean Rehman, Robert Rhodes, and Ruth Jones. The Rapture airs on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday, July 26, and will be available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.
