Joanna Scanlan Takes Centre Stage in Channel 5's Gripping New Crime Drama
BAFTA-winning actress Joanna Scanlan is poised to captivate audiences this week as she leads the cast of Channel 5's new five-part crime drama, Missed Call. The series, which premieres tonight, follows the harrowing story of Sarah Gleason, played by Scanlan, whose teenage daughter vanishes during a school exchange in southern France.
A Mother's Desperate Search for Truth
The drama unfolds as Sarah rushes to the town of Saint-Michel, only to encounter evasive police and hostility from her daughter's powerful host family. Forced to launch her own investigation alongside local detective Lieutenant Virginie Taylor, Sarah uncovers a web of buried secrets, abuse, corruption, and trafficking within the tight-knit community. As bodies surface and suspicions point to influential figures, including Virginie's father, alliances fracture. With time running out, Sarah discovers her daughter may still be alive, leading to a race against the clock for justice and survival.
Personal Life: A Stable Marriage Away from the Spotlight
Beyond her on-screen intensity, Scanlan enjoys a private life with her husband, accountant Neil Bicknell. The couple met at a yoga festival in Devon when Scanlan was 46 and married two years later in 2009. They share a rescue dog named Millie at their home in Croydon. In her 2020 BAFTA acceptance speech for After Love, Scanlan paid a heartfelt tribute to Bicknell, calling him "the living proof that there is no such thing as After Love." She has often described him as sensible, reliable, and consistent, providing a grounding presence amidst her demanding career.
The Heartbreak of Adoption Rejection
Despite her successful career, Scanlan has faced personal challenges, including a painful rejection when she attempted to adopt a child at age 38 while single. Social services turned her down due to insufficient family support in London, a decision she described as "a real blow." She also considered donor sperm but ultimately decided against it, fearing the responsibility of choosing a father who would not be part of the child's life. Scanlan acknowledges that not having children has allowed her to work at an intense pace, but the experience left a lasting impact.
Overcoming a Career Breakdown
Before her acting career took off, Scanlan endured a nervous breakdown at age 29 following a series of failed auditions after college. She transitioned to roles as a drama lecturer and Arts Council worker, but the stress culminated in a collapse that forced her to move back in with her parents in Wales. A doctor's advice proved pivotal, warning that if she didn't return to acting, she might be ill for life. Heeding this, Scanlan proactively contacted old acquaintances, which led to securing two acting jobs and reigniting her passion for the craft.
Embracing Welsh Heritage for Acting Roles
Although born in West Kirby, Scanlan's family hails from North Wales, and she recently learned Welsh for her role as Sharon in the Channel 4 drama The Light in the Hall. Her family, particularly her mother and niece who speak Welsh, supported her enthusiastically. Scanlan's mother, a proud Welsh language advocate, was especially thrilled, reflecting the actress's deep connection to her roots and dedication to her roles.
Missed Call airs on Channel 5 on April 13 at 9pm, marking another milestone in Scanlan's resilient and multifaceted career.
