Sweet Pea star Ella Purnell reveals the “terrifying” reality of her role as a serial killer in a gripping new series

“Sometimes I make a list of people I would like to kill,” are the chilling opening lines in the trailer for Ella Purnell, who plays a serial killer in a new series sweet pea.

Stand out Star Ella returns across the pond for this dark new comedy thriller. After watching the first episode, everyone has something to look forward to because it’s not often that a dark female character is simultaneously likable, funny and scary. Ella, who plays lead character Rhiannon Lewis, stressed during the question and answer session on Sky Premiere that playing a serial killer is something viewers “don’t see on screen very often and that makes it unpredictable.”

What is the series about?

Adapted from the 2017 novel by CJ Skuse and produced by the creators of Heart stopper, The series follows Rhiannon Lewis, a receptionist who is bored with her life and tired of constantly being overlooked. Ella plays her as a sweet man-eater who just wants to succeed; But when she finally has enough, her innocent behavior begins to turn into something darker.

The fuel for Rhiannon’s fire comes from several key figures who anger her, such as her school bully who is back in town, her boss who patronizes her with the nickname “Sweetpea”, and the new junior reporter at work who tells her off a different way catches the eye. Not to mention that the soundtrack is on repeat!

What are the core themes of the show?

In a way, Rhiannon’s murders explore the complexities of female anger and what happens when a woman completely rejects everyone who has wronged her. Ella describes this anger as “terrifying” where Rhiannon finally stops being nice to everyone. While the cast doesn’t condone murder, the theme of female rage isn’t often shown on screen, and this series proves that it doesn’t always happen in a glamorous (rather gory) way.

The six-part series takes audiences into the main murderer’s chaotic coming-of-age story as the murders breathe new life into her. In conversation with HELLO! and other outlets in the Q&A, Ella explained: “It’s about someone who hasn’t had all the experiences that most of us have had. It’s really cute to see her doing makeup and going on a date for the first time.”

This role was not without its psychological challenges and there was a risk that the audience would become disconnected from the character. However, Ella told Sky she was “not interested in her (Rhiannon) being likable; I’m interested in her being able to identify with her. Creating a serial killer that you can identify with means the audience is conflicted.”

Who plays the main role alongside Ella?

The thriller series’ talented cast includes Calam Lynch (Bridgerton), Nicole Lecky (Mood)Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso), Dino Kelly (Peaky Blinders) and Leah Harvey (Foundation).

When and where can you see it?

sweet pea Premieres October 10 on Sky Atlantic or NOW TV in the UK and Starz in the US and Canada.