Acclaimed British actor Dame Harriet Walter says a female-heavy cast is what drew her to Australian paranormal drama 'Playing Gracie Darling'.

Council of the City of Sydney

Dame Harriet Walter, a prominent figure in television with appearances in series such as Downton Abbey, Succession, Black Mirror, and Ted Lasso, is now starring in a new Australian drama, 'Playing Gracie Darling'. The show centers on a group of teenagers who conduct a seance, leading to the mysterious disappearance of one of them. Walter discusses her attraction to the project, highlighting the rarity of well-rounded older female characters and the strong female-led cast.

She also reflects on her past experiences with Ouija boards and her approach to playing complex roles, such as Margaret Thatcher. Off screen, Walter values the close relationships she forms with her castmates, describing her experience in Australia as finding an "instant family". 'Playing Gracie Darling' is available for streaming on Paramount Plus.

Dame Harriet Walter films latest project in Australia

It became an award-winning hit TV series and chances are Dame Harriet Walter is in it. There's Downton Abbey, Succession, Black Mirror, Ted Lasso and more. You're in them all. Yeah, well, I didn't insist, but you know, it sort of happens, doesn't it, once you're known in one area, then people will sort of pick you up. Now she's starring in a brand new Australian drama called Playing Gracie Darling, about a group of teenagers having a seance when one disappears. If the good spirit of Levi is near, then please enter the glass. What's your Ouija board experience? You know, it's a very long time since I've done it. When did you do it? I suppose I would have been really at school. And this card, this one grounds you. This is all about trusting yourself and your intuition. It's a very strong female-led cast, this. Was that one of the attractions for you? Always, yes. And to pull a sort of 360 degree rounded older character is pretty rare. We're usually ending up in a hospital bed or we've got Alzheimer's or, you know. Strong female characters are something of a signature for the dame. It's not all about you, Shiv. And her recent turn as Margaret Thatcher. To a fourth time! I thought, right, if you take on the part, you're going to have to get into her head and into her reasoning and not comment on it and not say, I don't agree with it. But off screen, she forms tight bonds with her castmates, including here in Australia. I've just found an instant family. Playing Gracie Darling streams on Paramount Plus from tomorrow. Angela Bishop, 10 News.

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Washington

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Brussels

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Breakdown