Actress Bethany Asher is breaking barriers and making waves in the new series of Sherwood, set to premiere on BBC One this Sunday. Asher, who has Down’s syndrome, is taking on a leading role in the Nottinghamshire-set crime drama alongside established stars like David Morrissey, Lesley Manville, David Harewood, and Robert Lindsay.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, Asher expressed her excitement about the opportunity to work with such a talented cast, calling the experience “mindblowing.” She credited series director James Graham for trusting her with a major part, saying, “People don’t really expect too much from me because I have Down’s syndrome, but James Graham trusted me with a brilliant storyline. It meant the absolute world.”
Asher plays Stephie, the sister of a character who has committed a terrible crime and has become “lost in the system.” She teased that viewers can expect to be “very shocked” by what unfolds in the series. Asher’s mother, Bekki, shared that this role has been a significant milestone for her daughter, who began acting in 2018.
With Sherwood, Asher hopes to inspire other directors to cast actors with Down’s syndrome and prove that they are capable of taking on complex and challenging roles. The series creator, James Graham, revealed that Sherwood was loosely inspired by events in his hometown of Sutton-in-Ashfield, adding a personal touch to the gripping storyline.
As Asher prepares to make her mark on the small screen, audiences can look forward to seeing her talent shine alongside the stellar cast of Sherwood.
