Rosalie Craig Portrays Rebekah Brooks in ITV’s ‘The Hack’
Rosalie Craig has immersed herself in the role of Rebekah Brooks for ITV’s The Hack, capturing the controversial former Sun editor’s composure during the 2003 parliamentary questioning on phone hacking allegations, reports BritPanorama.
Brooks faced scrutiny as editor of The Sun when accusations emerged that her reporters illegally accessed the voicemails of public figures. During her examination in parliament, Craig noted Brooks’s remarkable calmness, describing her ability to maintain a “charm offensive” under pressure.
Craig expressed astonishment at Brooks’s composure, stating that “in a situation that would have left most of us flustered,” Brooks was “calm and measured,” and thrived in high-pressure environments. “Even when the evidence is absolutely against her,” Craig said, “she can see a way around it.”
In The Hack, Brooks is portrayed as a central figure in the scandal that implicated the News of the World in illegal activities, including phone tapping and police bribery, spanning from the 1990s until the paper’s closure in 2011. Although Brooks was acquitted of the criminal charges at a 2014 trial, she remains a polarizing figure, profiting from sensationalized stories.
Craig, renowned for her versatility, which includes a groundbreaking performance as the gender-swapped Bobbie in Company, now balances this role with another in BBC’s Riot Women, a drama showcasing older women forming a punk band. This project contrasts with her depiction of Brooks, presenting a storyline charged with youthful rebellion and empowerment.
Amid the turmoil of the phone hacking scandal, Craig reflects on the elite world Brooks navigated, having come from more humble beginnings. When asked if she knows any celebrities who were hacked, she stated, “Gosh no! Do you?”, highlighting the pervasive yet hidden nature of such scandals.
In Riot Women, Craig portrays Kitty, a character with a wild spirit who challenges societal norms and expectations. The show features a strong female cast, focusing on themes of personal struggle, creative expression, and resilience as these women navigate their later years while managing familial responsibilities.
Amid the comedic elements, Craig warns that the narrative delves into darker themes, characteristic of writer Sally Wainwright’s previous works. The ensemble cast includes notable actresses such as Tamsin Greig and Lorraine Ashbourne, who confront the complexities of aging, family obligations, and personal aspirations.
Craig describes one intense scene where Kitty exacts revenge on an ex-lover by vandalizing his car, saying that it was liberating to portray such an explosive character. As she reflects on her transition through different characters, she acknowledges that age brings a confidence that allows for more authenticity in her performances.
In Riot Women, Kitty’s journey through perimenopause is addressed, challenging societal taboos around menopause. Craig advocates for open conversations about women’s health and identity, emphasizing that life does not end with menopause. “Women over 40 really know who they are and what interests them,” she asserts, encouraging the notion that life’s possibilities continue well beyond traditional expectations.
The Hack is currently streaming on ITVX, while Riot Women is set to release on 16 October via BBC iPlayer.
