Three Girls star Molly Windsor says playing sex abuse victim left her ‘angry’ and praises her bravery
THREE Girls star Molly Windsor has revealed why portraying the harrowing events in the BBC One drama left her feeling "angry".
The actress plays 15-year-old Holly Windshaw who was one of three victims of a child sex grooming ring that was active in Rochdale between 2008 and 2012.
The 19-year-old opened up about the challenge of portraying such a sensitive matter as she explained: "What I found most challenging was that it was true.
She told : "Whereas this is too much – it made me really angry while I was playing her
"I don’t think the abuse will ever leave her again, but she is brave enough to go through it again with us to film it."
She added: "I think she should be really proud of it."
Wednesday night saw the second episode air on TV and viewers were full of praise for Maxine Peake's "incredible" performance as sexual health worker Sara Rowbotham.
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
In the episode, Sara lays into police for widespread failures to bring prosecutions in the case which has targeted 200 girls.
One viewer wrote: "Maxine Peake is just a sensational actress, just sensational. Her portrayal of this sexual health worker is incredible."
Another described the actress's performance as "magnificent" while a third tweeted: "Maxine Peake is making this true life drama as the enlightened one."
Lisa Riley's performance as the mother of teen abuse victims Amber and Ruby also drew praise along with Lesley Sharp who stars as DC Margaret Oliver - a police officer determined to bring the gang to justice.
The first episode of the drama left viewers emotional and heartbroken as they witnessed the abuse teens Holly, Ruby and Amber suffered at the hands of the gang.
It prompted fury on social media at the the shameful lack of response from authorities who for years turned a blind eye to the abuse — out of ineptitude, lack of communication and fear of being branded racist.
There was more upset as Holly had her baby taken away after turning to booze for comfort.
However, a new prosecutor and the quick wits of Lesley Sharp's detective provided new hope that the girls would find justice.
The organised sex ring in Rochdale worked to secure underage girls for sex who in some cases were given alcohol and small amounts of money in exchange for silence.
In May 2012, nine men were convicted of numerous child sex crimes.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220