Saskia recounts recent TV roles

AN ACTRESS and writer from Annan has been overjoyed with the response from viewers following her appearance in a popular detective drama. Saskia Ashdown features in the second series of the critically acclaimed drama Karen Pirie. And the former Elmvale Primary pupil will also be on screen later this year when long-running crime series Shetland returns to screens for a tenth series. Now based in London, the 29-year-old spoke to the Annandale Observer about her latest work and future plans. How did you get into acting? While in my last year of a business degree in Edinburgh, I joined a rep-style theatre company, which involves rehearsing for and performing three shows over the course of a year. My now agent came to see the shows and from there, I was able to move into professional, paid work. Annan Academy has a great performing arts department. How big a role did the school play in your early acting career? It was crucial at that age. I don’t think I’d be in this career without my love of music and performance being supported and nurtured in the way that it was at Annan Academy. I think everyone can benefit from and should have access to the creative arts at all ages, but especially at school age. It builds confidence, transferable skills and the freedom to play, which sadly I think a lot of us lose when we get into adulthood. How would you describe Karen Pirie for people who have not watched it? It’s a cold case police procedural based on the novels by Val McDermid. As the audience, we follow two timelines – the present and, in this case, the 80s, when the crime happened. It’s twisty and exciting, but also has a lot of lightness and humour to it. Emer Kenny, who adapted the novels for screen, is fantastic and brings a unique tone to the show. How did you end up getting the role in the second series? The show was cast by a casting director that I had previously worked with. The audition came through as a self tape (meaning that I film the audition at home and send over a video file). I then had a recall over Zoom with the director and casting team and then was offered the part. (It’s definitely not always as lovely and straightforward as this!) You play DC Isla Stark, can you tell us a bit about your character? It’s implied that Isla is a huge fan of Karen’s work and is desperate to be involved in the new case. But when she arrives, there’s no adulation to be seen. She’s very deadpan, a no-nonsense kind of character. But ultimately cares about the case and the team very much. I think she slots quite nicely into the team’s existing dynamic. Have you been pleased with the reaction to the show? Very much so! On a professional level, the viewing numbers, responses and reviews have been great. On a personal level, I’ve been incredibly touched by how many people have reached out to say that they watched and enjoyed it. It means so much. Filming took place across Scotland as well as in Malta. Have you filmed abroad before? Yes, I’ve also filmed in Mexico and Greece. Working abroad is brilliant. I love doing my job wherever it is, but when you can jump into the ocean straight after work and spend your days off exploring a place you’ve never been, it’s even better. You are part of the cast for series ten of Shetland, with the programme set to debut on the BBC later this year. Has filming completed? Had you ever been to Shetland before? Filming has finished for me. I’d never been to Shetland before, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to. It’s beautiful. The father of the wee girl who played my daughter is from the Shetland and took a few of us out on a boat trip, which was lovely. What is it like to work with big names in the industry? Do you get starstruck? Haha! I wouldn’t say starstruck, but it’s very, very cool. Especially when it’s people whose work you admire. Everyone I’ve worked with who is a ‘big name’ has been really down to earth and lovely though, so maybe I’ve just been lucky! Shetland star Ashley Jensen is also from Annan. Do you know her from previous work? Yes, I first worked with Ashley on a show called Trust Me back in 2018. She’s brilliant and a lot of fun to work with. It turns out that we both grew up on the same street in Annan. A very small world. What can you say about the new series just now? I think this series will be the same Shetland that people know and love. We had a great guest cast who all got on really well. It makes a real difference when you all get on as friends, especially when you’re spending weeks together on a small island! And, finally, what are you working on at the moment? I had a small part in a show called Washington Black, which is currently out on Hulu and Disney+. It was a really special job and another group of brilliant people to have met and worked with. I’m also writing a lot at the moment, having just finished a screenwriting programme with Channel 4, so the aim is to build that into a dual acting-writing career. There’s not a lot of control that you’re able to have as an actor, but writing is something you can do all the time to feel creative. It’s great.

• ALL episodes of Karen Pirie are available to watch now on ITVX, while the next instalment of Shetland will be shown on BBC later this year.