Ruth Madeley discusses her role in new BBC thriller ‘The Rapture’
Ruth Madeley, known for her pioneering roles as a disabled actress, opens up about her experience in the new BBC thriller The Rapture, where she plays Dr Gabrielle Fox, a forensic psychiatrist navigating complex themes of faith and dysfunction, reports BritPanorama.
Madeley, 38, has taken on a variety of challenging roles since her early twenties, pushing back against societal perceptions of disability. She gained recognition following her Bafta nomination for her portrayal of a disabled mother in the BBC Three drama Don’t Take My Baby, which led to her audition for the role in Years & Years. The series creator, Russell T Davies, was so impressed by her that he adapted the character to reflect her own experience living with spina bifida.
In The Rapture, based on Liz Jensen’s 2009 novel, Madeley’s character grapples with both her personal trauma—stemming from a car crash that resulted in her using a wheelchair—and the eerie visions of a teenage girl she is tasked with helping, who is implicated in her mother’s murder. The series intertwines themes of climate change and social unrest, creating a narrative steeped in contemporary relevance.
“It’s a lot to navigate in one series,” Madeley notes, highlighting the complexity of the topics addressed. “Just one of those topics would have been dramatic enough, but throw them all in together and pffttt,” she says, using her hands to mime an explosion. This multi-faceted approach aims to break stereotypes surrounding disability, avoiding the portrayal of disabled characters as mere victims or objects of pity.
Born in 1986 in Westhoughton, Madeley’s journey as an actress was shaped significantly by her childhood experiences. Diagnosed with spina bifida before birth, she faced numerous health challenges that required multiple surgeries. In her 2018 documentary Spina Bifida and Me, she offered a personal insight into the challenges faced by individuals with similar conditions.
Madeley later pursued literature and scriptwriting at Edge Hill University, ultimately discovering her passion for storytelling. Initially reluctant to embrace acting due to a lack of representation, she has since become a vocal advocate for more nuanced portrayals of disability on screen. “I never saw disabled people on screen working or having children,” she reflects.
Through her performances, particularly in her acclaimed role in Then Barbara Met Alan, Madeley challenges the stereotype that equates disability with limitation. “Historically, disability has been seen as a punishment for something,” she explains, noting that representations of disabled figures in media often lack depth and complexity.
In her role in The Rapture, she advocates for candid conversations about the realities of disabled life, pushing for representation that resonates with audiences. Addressing personal topics like intimacy, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her character’s experiences, showcasing the breadth of possibilities for disabled characters in contemporary storytelling.
As Madeley continues to break new ground in the industry, she remains committed to challenging stereotypes while also aspiring to explore comedic roles. Her involvement in productions like Apple TV’s Being Heumann further underscores her dedication to elevating the representation of disability in media.
Madeley’s insights spotlight the evolving landscape of television, where authentic representation is increasingly recognized as essential. As she notes, “Disability is always going to give an extra layer to any story,” paving the way for richer narratives in the future.
