Shaun Evans 'respectfully' chose not to meet real-life figures from Until I Kill You
Shaun Evans decided not to meet the real Delia Balmer before starring in the ITV drama 'Until I Kill You' as he wanted to keep a "degree of separation" for his portrayal of murderer John Sweeney.
Shaun Evans chose not to meet anyone connected to 'Until I Kill You'.
The 44-year-old star portrays murderer John Sweeney in the new ITV drama that is based on the true story of how Delia Balmer survived a relationship with the killer and described how he "respectfully" opted not to meet Delia – played by Anna Maxwell Martin in the series – as he wanted a "degree of separation" from the events.
Shaun told BANG Showbiz and assembled media at a screening of the programme: "I purposely didn't meet anyone to do with it. I bought the book but I didn't read it because I thought you have to create it in your imagination and keep a degree of separation in order for me to do the job as I would want to do it. I purposely and respectfully didn't meet her."
The 'Endeavour' actor admits that he felt a sense of "trepidation" about taking on the part of such a violent and nasty character.
He said: "I was, to be candid, kind of repelled when I read it and I thought, 'I don't know if I fancy that', but then I thought there's probably something quite interesting in that.
"You want to be professionally challenged and pushed. I have been a big fan of Anna's for a long time so I thought all the ingredients were there but I had trepidation, I'm not gonna lie."
Meanwhile, Anna could understand why Delia found it difficult to embrace the "warmth" granted to her on set given her traumatic experiences.
She explained: "I think it was hard for Delia coming to set in a way because she is a details person and it's very difficult for Delia to accept warmth and help. Set's a really lovely place, you're offered a cup of tea and an unending amount of time, for Delia that was quite challenging."
