Annabel Scholey makes a memorable entrance in the new Disney+ series Rivals, marking her first appearance in the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel with an electrifying scene.
In the opening moments of the show, Scholey’s character, Fleet Street journalist Beattie Johnson, engages in a passionate affair in the cramped confines of an airplane bathroom.
Dressed in an iconic 80s pink skirt suit and red stilettos, she sets the tone for what critics have dubbed an explosive, X-rated series.
Scholey’s Career Evolution: From TV Dramas to Bold Roles
Scholey’s career has evolved significantly over the years, from early TV roles in Doctors and Holby City to breakthrough performances in more complex roles.
She credits her time on The Split, where she portrayed Nina DeFoe, a high-powered lawyer with a troubled personal life, as a turning point.
The show was groundbreaking in its portrayal of older women navigating issues like menopause, sexuality, and complex relationships, which Scholey says made her realize the changing nature of roles for women in their 30s and beyond.
Overcoming Personal Struggles While Filming The Split
While Scholey was filming The Split, she was also going through a personal upheaval, navigating a divorce from her husband of six years, Ciarán McMenamin.
Despite the emotional challenges, she found support from the cast and crew, which helped her manage the intensity of portraying a character involved in divorce law while dealing with her own real-life situation.
Scholey’s Impact in Rivals and Her Confidence in Sexy Roles
Despite the somewhat daunting nature of her latest roles, including her steamy scenes in Rivals, Scholey expressed how she’s growing more comfortable with these types of characters.
“It was a bit scary doing the very first scene,” she admitted, referencing her intimate moment with co-star Alex Hassell.
But with experience and confidence in her craft, Scholey is now embracing these opportunities, seeing it as part of a bigger shift in the industry towards more diverse and complex roles for women.
Star-Studded Cast and Scholey’s Role in Rivals
While Rivals boasts a cast including David Tennant and Danny Dyer, Scholey is no stranger to sharing the screen with acting legends.
From performing alongside Dame Judi Dench in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to taking on Shakespeare’s Richard III opposite Kevin Spacey, Scholey has always held her own in high-profile productions.
Now, in Rivals, she plays a journalist whose brief but impactful appearance in the opening scene leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
The Sexual Nature of Scholey’s Recent Roles
In a recent interview, Scholey admitted that portraying characters with a strong sexual element, like in The Serial Killer’s Wife, has required a lot of mental preparation.
She reflected on how playing Beth Fairchild in the 2023 series was both physically and emotionally challenging, as it involved fight scenes and intimate moments.
“When a part scares you, that’s often a sign you should do it,” Scholey shared, emphasizing her commitment to taking on complex, fearless roles.
Scholey’s Supportive Parents and Her Journey to Acting
Looking back on her journey to becoming a successful actress, Scholey credits her parents with being the driving force behind her career.
Growing up in Wakefield, her family worked tirelessly to support her dreams, with her father suggesting drama school after she showed a passion for dance.
Scholey’s determination to succeed in acting didn’t come easily, as she faced many rejections before eventually earning a scholarship to Oxford School of Drama.
From Struggling to Succeed: Scholey’s Early Career Challenges
Despite the early setbacks, Scholey never gave up on her acting dreams.
She recalls the heartbreak of being turned down by drama schools multiple times, but her resilience paid off when she finally landed her first role.
Over the years, she became more selective about the roles she accepts, seeking out challenging and multifaceted characters that push her boundaries as an actress.
A New Era for Older Women in Acting: Scholey’s Perspective
Scholey has been vocal about the positive changes she’s seen in the entertainment industry, especially regarding the portrayal of older women.
With roles like Nina in The Split, she believes there’s a growing recognition of the complexity and sexuality of women in their forties and fifties.
“Women are now being written as full, layered characters, and that’s something to celebrate,” she says, proud of the shift towards more authentic and dynamic portrayals of women in TV and film.
Scholey’s Upcoming Projects and Continued Success
Looking ahead, Scholey’s career shows no signs of slowing down.
Currently filming the second season of The Couple Next Door in the Netherlands, she’s continuing to take on roles that challenge her both physically and emotionally.
As she approaches her 41st birthday, Scholey is confident that her sultry on-screen presence is here to stay, proving that her career is only just getting started.