Millie Gibson Shines as a Strong Female Lead in ‘The Forsytes’
Millie Gibson embraces her role as a leading female character in the new period drama The Forsytes, following her acclaimed performance in Doctor Who. The 21-year-old actress, known for her strong and outspoken female roles, reflects on her transition from playing Kelly Neelan in Coronation Street to becoming Ruby Sunday, the youngest companion of the Doctor, in the iconic sci-fi series, reports BritPanorama.
Gibson’s journey, which began with a teenage role in Coronation Street and won her a British Soap Award, propelled her into the spotlight. After departing the soap at 18, she quickly secured an audition for Doctor Who and made a memorable entrance as Ruby Sunday just two months later, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Currently, Gibson is enjoying a brief respite in her Manchester home after filming the second series of The Forsytes. The drama, based on John Galsworthy’s acclaimed literary work, debuted its first season on Channel 5, with Gibson portraying Irene Heron, a character enriched with depth and complexity. Set in late 19th-century English society, the series showcases the dynamics of the Forsyte family, where Gibson’s character defies societal norms by marrying the ambitious Soames Forsyte, played by Joshua Orpin. This role allows Gibson to step into the heroine’s shoes, a significant change from her previous characters.
In The Forsytes, Gibson highlights the script’s focus on female characters, noting that while the original novels often sidelined women, the adaptation brings their stories to the forefront. Regarding the challenges of fitting into upper-class society of the past, she humorously remarked, “They’d hate me!” underscoring her relatability and down-to-earth persona.
Gibson’s early acting experience began at the Oldham Theatre Workshop and led her to net early roles in children’s television, paving the way for casting in Coronation Street. Her initial foray into acting was not without challenges, marked by the need to balance a demanding filming schedule with school commitments. The unexpected fame from her long-running role was compounded by the transition into Doctor Who, where the intensity of public scrutiny increased significantly.
Although Gibson notes she did not feel as renowned during her time on Doctor Who, the experience enriched her career and led to a close friendship with co-star Ncuti Gatwa. Their collaboration reaffirms the show’s desire to recapture its former allure, especially with the anticipated return of showrunner Russell T Davies and a new global streaming deal with Disney.
However, the ride hasn’t been smooth; Gibson faced tabloid scrutiny that painted her as a “diva”—a narrative she chose to navigate cautiously due to the show’s tightly held secrets. She expressed frustration at being unable to publicly defend herself without risking spoilers. “I couldn’t be like, ‘It’s a lie!’,” she explained, reflecting on the balance between protecting her image and the integrity of the project.
Ultimately, Gibson’s maturity in managing both her career and personal life serves as a testament to her resilience. She acknowledges that public scrutiny is likely to recur but remains committed to her craft with a pragmatic outlook. “It’s just about smiling and waving and not really letting it get to you,” she concludes, embodying a level-headed approach to fame.
The Forsytes premieres tonight at 9pm on Channel 5.
