Angela Black: Is The ITV drama based on a true story?

Angela Black viewers are hooked on the intense new ITV drama, which stars Joanne Froggatt in one of her most challenging roles yet.

The darkly gripping drama follows Angela (played by Joanne), who seemingly has an idyllic home life and a charismatic husband Olivier (played by Michiel Huisman). 

However, the façade is soon lifted and it’s revealed that Angela is a victim of domestic abuse.

The series sees Angela experience shockingly violent attacks from her husband. Then, her life takes an unexpected turn after a mysterious stranger arrives to deliver life-shattering news.

It’s proving to be one of the most popular dramas the channel has broadcast this year – but is it based on a true story?

Here’s everything we know.

Is Angela Black based on a true story?

The popular series stars Joanne Froggatt, Michiel Huisman and Samuel Adewunmi (Picture: Jon Hall)

The series is not based on a true story. However, the script was inspired by the experiences of real life abuse victims.

Writers Jack and Harry Williams spoke with staff in shelters, as well as consultants, to make sure that their series reflected the true experiences of those whose lives are impacted.

Detailing their work behind the scenes, Jack told ITV: ‘I think the key thing is that this is something that happens a lot, but people do not always understand or read about it.

‘I think it is very easy to watch shows about abuse and go, “Well… I’d just leave”. It is not as simple.’

‘It was important that we do it justice and that we were accurate about the psychology of the abused and the abuser, both sides of the story,’ Harry added. ‘It was important to try and be truthful with it.’

The series is based on a script from writers Jack and Harry Williams (Credits: Jon Hall)

Some of the scenes make for tough viewing, and actor Michiel admitted that they took its toll on him during filming.

Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other gathered press, the actor said: ‘There were days that I was dreading it a bit. I thought “Oh, my God, we’re gonna do this horrible scene.”’

The actor also discussed the process he underwent to make the abusive character more three dimensional.

‘The challenge for me was to understand why he would do that. Only then I could play it. Even when you’re playing a character who turns out to be a horrible guy like Olivier, I need to sympathize with this guy, I need to understand him. So that was my challenge.’

Angela Black airs on Sunday nights at 9pm on ITV.

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