Jessica Gunning channels her inner Martha, reveals preparation for 'Baby Reindeer'

Jessica Gunning, the actress behind the character of Martha in the Netflix hit mini-series "Baby Reindeer," offered a glimpse into her preparation for the role and her deep admiration for the show's creator, Richard Gadd, during a recent Q&A session in NYC. 

Gunning revealed that she was already a fan of Gadd's comedy before joining the project and even attempted to get tickets for the stage show of "Baby Reindeer." Unable to secure tickets, she resorted to a "Martha-like" move and bought the stage play, which she admits to reading daily.

Gunning further expressed her admiration for Gadd's writing, recalling a scene from the script that she practised for her audition. The scene, which describes a rather unusual desire to "zip him open and snuggle away inside him," was perceived by Gunning as a romantic gesture, much to the amusement of the audience.

The inspiration for "Baby Reindeer" stems from real events in Gadd's life, and he plays a fictionalised version of himself in the series. However, the show has sparked controversy as a woman claiming to be the real-life Martha, Fiona Harvey, publicly disputed the show's portrayal of events. 

Despite the controversy, Gadd urges viewers not to speculate about the identities of the real-life people behind the show. 

Gunning's insights into her preparation for the role of Martha offer a fascinating look at the complexities of portraying a character inspired by real events. Her dedication to understanding Martha's motivations and her appreciation for Gadd's writing shine through, making her performance all the more captivating.