Jessica Gunning’s world changed overnight with the explosive success of Baby Reindeer, the Netflix series that has become one of the most talked-about television events in recent years. For Gunning, who played the complex and troubled Martha, the role was, in her own words, the “role of a lifetime.” Yet, as she candidly shared with the BBC, the whirlwind of fame has brought both thrilling highs and some truly surreal moments—some bordering on the bizarre.
“I got goose bumps when I first read the script,” Gunning recalls, describing the visceral reaction she had to the story. It took five auditions before she landed the part, and even then, she thought the show might become a modest indie hit rather than a global phenomenon. “I feel like if something like Baby Reindeer happened straight after coming out of drama school, maybe I’d feel like a bit of a deer in the headlights, pardon the pun,” she laughs. But with nearly two decades in the business, Gunning felt ready to embrace the challenge—and the spotlight.
What she didn’t expect was the intensity of the public’s reaction. One incident stands out: “I’d just parked near where I live and a woman screamed in my face! But in her defence she had just finished the series, walked out of her home and there I was,” Gunning recounted to the BBC. Such encounters have become an unusual part of her daily life, a testament to how deeply her portrayal of Martha resonated with audiences. “So that’s surreal, occasionally being screamed at,” she said, but quickly added, “everyone has been so lovely.”
The impact of Baby Reindeer has extended far beyond the screen. Gunning notes an “incredible statistic about the difference the show has made to charities, especially ones for male survivors of sexual assault.” She’s been approached by fans across generations, from teenagers to nonagenarians, all eager to share how the series moved them. “I think it shows people want complicated stories. I have had 14-year-olds come and talk to me about it, as well as 90-year-olds,” she said.
Yet, the show’s claim to be “a true story” has not gone unchallenged. Baby Reindeer is based on real-life experiences of its creator and star, Richard Gadd. However, the woman alleged to have inspired the character Martha has vigorously disputed the narrative. According to BBC and el-balad.com, she filed a lawsuit against Netflix in June 2024 for defamation, negligence, and privacy violations, claiming the streaming giant told “brutal lies” about her to more than 50 million viewers. The controversy escalated in September 2024 when a judge ruled that some key events depicted in the series—such as a conviction for stalking—did not actually happen. Netflix’s attempt to have the case dismissed failed, but the company has stated, “We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story.”
Amid this legal storm, Gunning has remained focused on her craft. She and Gadd developed what she describes as a “unique bond” during the intense filming process. “We always checked in with each other and the producers and director made sure everything felt safe and considered,” Gunning told the BBC. That sense of care extended to the entire cast and crew, who have since been swept up in a wave of critical acclaim. Gunning’s performance earned her an impressive array of awards: an Emmy, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, an RTS, and a Screen Actors Guild award. “It’s all been a bit pinch me, for all of the cast and crew really, we were out in LA, which is just crazy anyway to be in Hollywood. All the clichés are true, even to be nominated is an honour,” she reflected. “Sometimes I look at the shelf that has my awards on and I think ‘Oh my gosh’, it feels like a dream really.”
Gunning’s journey to this point has been anything but overnight. She’s been acting for nearly twenty years, honing her craft in a variety of roles. But Baby Reindeer has been a true turning point. “I feel like on the one hand my life has completely changed, but I also feel exactly the same in a good way,” she said. “I waited 17 years for a part like Martha to come along, so hopefully it won’t be another 17 years.”
Her next appearance marks a dramatic shift in tone. On December 24, 2025, Gunning will star in the BBC One and Children In Need animation Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, which airs at 10:20 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer, and again on December 27 at 17:00 GMT on CBeebies and CBBC. The story, based on an original tale by McFly’s Tom Fletcher, follows a woman and her son as they navigate the difficult terrain of grief. Gunning plays the grieving widow, a role she describes as “beautiful” and deeply meaningful. “Children can deal with big issues like this, and hopefully children will watch and feel seen if they’ve experienced this, or are going through something similar,” she said, emphasizing the importance of tackling serious themes even for younger audiences. “All my life I’ve grown up with Children In Need, I went to school dressed up as an Emu and wore it all day.”
Gunning’s calendar remains packed with exciting projects. She’s set to star alongside Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield in a film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic The Magic Faraway Tree. She’s also filming a comedy with none other than Angelina Jolie, a testament to her growing versatility and appeal in the industry. As she jokes, it’s a journey “from Holmfirth to Hollywood”—a nod to her West Yorkshire roots and the famed filming location of Last of the Summer Wine.
Through it all, Gunning remains grounded. Despite the sudden glare of international fame, she credits her family and friends for helping her stay centered. “Now I feel a lot more grounded and I’ve got a big group of family and friends. But it is kind of strange, the number of viewers that Netflix bring in, you can’t really compute. If you think about it too much it can feel a little bit scary.”
Jessica Gunning’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and the unpredictable, sometimes chaotic, nature of stardom. From the emotional depths of Baby Reindeer to new adventures on screen and stage, she’s proving that the best roles—and the most meaningful connections—are still ahead.
