Liar, Downton Abbey and Angela Black star, Joanne Froggatt joins me for this episode of Reign!

Is there a TV show we haven’t been obsessed with which stars Joanne? The answer is NO! Since her breakout role playing the troubled teen Zoe in Coronation Street back in the late 90s, Joanne has become one of the most in demand TV actresses.

The game changer in her career? Starring as Anna in Downton Abbey for six seasons and two movies, which made her a Golden Globe award winner and three-time Emmy nominee for her heartbreaking portrayal of the servant who is a victim of rape.

Joanne went on to star in the TV thriller that EVERYONE talked about: Liar, which followed her character, Laura who goes on a blind date with Andrew (Ioan Gruffudd) and after being the victim of assault is not believed. If you haven’t watched it already, what ensues is not only edge of your seat drama but a close look at the way we approach victims of sexual assault in our society.

From the same writers behind Liar, Joanne takes on the title role in a new ITV drama, Angela Black. It’s the story of a woman who looks like she has everything, but her huge house is in fact a prison, where she suffers domestic abuse. It’s a brutal portrayal of domestic violence that will, like the rest of Joanne’s roles, have everyone talking.

In this episode Joanne talks about the harrowing accounts of domestic violence she heard whilst preparing for the role and how she looks after her own mental health whilst taking on such demanding roles.

She also calls BS on the sexist questions people continuously ask women about age, when they are going to have children, and as a society we still judge women on ‘how their ovaries are doing’ - to quote Joanne herself. Isn’t it time we just minded our own business?!

I really hope you continue to listen and find the power to Reign in your own lives, too. If you love this episode get in touch (follow me across social media @joshsmithhosts), I love hearing from you. Love, Josh xxx

P.S If you have been affected or would like more information about the issues raised in this podcast please visit womensaid.org.uk.

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