From making a name for herself on EastEnders to gaining global recognition in Sex Education, Mimi Keene’s career has been on an upward trajectory.
Now, she is taking on a new challenge in the BBC adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero, where she stars alongside Hollywood veteran Anjelica Huston.
Despite her growing success, the 26-year-old actress admits she was filled with nerves before her first meeting with the screen icon.
A Rising Star in a Classic Mystery
Mimi first gained prominence playing Cindy Williams Jr. on EastEnders before her role as Ruby Matthews in Sex Education propelled her to international stardom.
Now, she is stepping into the world of Agatha Christie, portraying Kay Strange in Towards Zero.
Kay is the newlywed wife of tennis star Nevile Strange, played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and their relationship is at the center of the drama unfolding in this three-part series.
Anjelica Huston, 73, plays Lady Camilla Tressilian, Nevile’s influential aunt and a key figure in the gripping mystery. The series is set against the stunning backdrop of the Devon coastline, creating an atmospheric setting for the unfolding drama.
Meeting Hollywood Royalty
Despite her own success, Mimi confessed that she felt anxious before her first interaction with Anjelica Huston. The veteran actress, known for her legendary roles in The Addams Family, The Witches, and Prizzi’s Honor, commands a strong presence both on and off the screen.
“I was a bit nervous, but once we got started, I was watching her thinking she was so good,” Mimi recalled. “As soon as we started, she made me feel so relaxed, so I was able to do my job.”
Mimi wasn’t the only one in awe of Anjelica’s presence. Her co-star Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who plays Nevile Strange, also praised her professionalism and talent. “There’s a reason why some people are icons,” he said. “The work she’s done over the years is impeccable. She came in unbelievably prepared, gracious, and kind.”
Beyond her talent, Anjelica’s warmth extended off-screen as well. She took the time to bond with her castmates, treating Mimi, Oliver, and Ella Lily Hyland (who plays Nevile’s ex-wife, Audrey) to lunch, fostering a strong connection among the ensemble.
A Unique Role for Anjelica Huston
For Anjelica, Towards Zero marks a significant moment in her career as it is her first major role in a British television production. She found particular joy in the fact that much of her role required her to be in bed, a novelty she found amusing.
“Bed is one of my favorite places to be, so I was immediately happy with that,” she joked. “It’s not often you get called onto a film and placed in bed—usually, it’s the other way around! So I appreciated all my moments in bed, dressed in a nightie and dressing gown.”
Love, Betrayal, and Murder in Towards Zero
The plot of Towards Zero centers around the dramatic and complicated relationships in Nevile Strange’s life. A celebrated tennis player, Nevile’s professional success contrasts sharply with the chaos in his personal life. His recent and highly publicized divorce from Audrey has left behind unresolved emotions, and his quick remarriage to Kay only adds to the tension.
Lady Tressilian, believing she is making a well-intentioned decision, invites both Nevile and Kay to Gull’s Point—her grand home on the Devon coast—for a visit. However, her invitation also extends to Audrey, setting the stage for conflict.
The situation is particularly painful for Audrey, as Gull’s Point has been her home since childhood. “Audrey moved to Gull’s Point when she was a kid because she was an orphan,” Ella Lily Hyland explained. “She and Nevile were together from a very early age—it was almost like a sibling relationship that evolved into something romantic.”
The tangled relationships and underlying resentment between Nevile, Kay, and Audrey create an emotionally charged atmosphere. Inspired by the legendary Hollywood couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Ella Lily Hyland brought an intense dynamic to their characters’ fraught interactions.
“They just kept coming back to each other,” Oliver said of Taylor and Burton’s relationship. “There was so much love there, but it raises the question—was it really love?”
A Murder Unfolds
As tensions rise at Gull’s Point, the visit takes a dark turn when Lady Tressilian is found murdered in her bed. The seemingly peaceful estate becomes the center of a complex investigation as suspicions mount and secrets begin to unravel.
Matthew Rhys joins the cast as Inspector Leach, the detective tasked with solving the mystery. With hidden motives, complicated relationships, and shocking revelations, the series promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
A Must-Watch Adaptation
With its star-studded cast, stunning setting, and intricate storyline, Towards Zero is shaping up to be a must-watch for mystery lovers. The adaptation brings Christie’s novel to life with a fresh perspective, blending old Hollywood glamour with the timeless appeal of a classic whodunit.
The three-part series will premiere on Sunday, March 2, at 9pm on BBC One, delivering a thrilling mix of drama, suspense, and unexpected twists.
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