Home Fires star Claire Rushbrook has revealed her character is the victim of domestic abuse, saying it was a lonely part to play.
The Sunday evening period drama follows a WI group during World War II and this weekend, viewers will see Pat Simms (played by Claire) shockingly beaten by her husband.
Claire explained to What’s On TV: “Although Pat’s trapped in an unhappy marriage, she loves her husband, Bob, and he loves her. But sadly she’s on the receiving end of quite a lot of mental and physical abuse, and we’ll see her being physically beaten.”
She said of the other characters: “I think they get the flavour of what’s going on, but Pat’s not confiding in anyone. Sadly, although she has this group of women she can get together with, she’s no more honest with them than anyone else.”
The actress went on to say that in filming the storyline, they had been careful to stick to a realistic portrait of how the problem would have been dealt with – or not – at that time.
She said: “We’ve been very mindful of not applying modern sensibilities and thinking to Home Fires. I’m sure even now people don’t find this situation easy to talk about. Back then the sense of keeping face and, tragically, shame that came with the situation was magnified. That was the nature of the times.
“It’s been quite a lonely part, but interesting to act.”
Home Fires continues tonight on ITV at 9pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article