Sherwood star aims to break barriers for Down's syndrome actors

BBC/House Productions/Vishal Sharma A woman wearing headphones, a light blue jacket and a stripy top underneath. Her right hand is resting on the strap of her handbag — Bethany Asher said filming the series had been “mindblowing”

Actress Bethany Asher has said she hopes her leading role in the new series of Sherwood will break down barriers facing other actors with Down’s syndrome.

The Nottinghamshire-set crime drama returns to BBC One on Sunday with Asher in a key plotline alongside stars including David Morrissey, Lesley Manville, David Harewood and Robert Lindsay.

Asher, from Burbage in Leicestershire, told BBC Radio Leicester filming with the cast of established stars had been a “mindblowing” experience.

She also thanked series director James Graham for trusting her with a major part.

Show creator James Graham said Sherwood had been loosely inspired by things that happened in the streets of his home town of Sutton-in-Ashfield

Getty Images James Graham with his Olivier Award — Show creator James Graham said Sherwood had been loosely inspired by things that happened in the streets of his home town of Sutton-in-Ashfield

“People don’t really expect too much from me because I have Down’s syndrome, but James Graham trusted me with a brilliant storyline,” she said.

“I’ve always been told people like me won’t make it far, be good enough, and be put in a tiny little box.

“It meant the absolute world.”

She said she hoped her part would encourage other directors to cast actors with Down’s syndrome.

David Morrissey returns as detective Ian St Clair

BBC/House Productions/Sam Taylor A man in a dark blue jacket with a blue shirt underneath stands in front of a body of water, there are trees and fields in the further distance — David Morrissey returns as detective Ian St Clair

Asher plays Stephie, the sister of Ryan Bottomley, a young man who has committed a terrible crime and has become “lost in the system”, according to Derby actor Oliver Huntingdon who plays him.

She said she could not give away too many details but promised viewers would be “very shocked” by what happens.

“It felt amazing to be part of such a professional cast,” Asher added.

“I had watched the first series of Sherwood and I couldn’t believe it when I got the part.

“Everyone was incredible and I really felt part of the team.”

Asher took up acting in 2018 and this has been her first major role.

“She’s never looked back,” her mother Bekki said.

“With Sherwood, this was the first time she had been trusted with such a huge storyline that really gave her agency.

“They had a vision and that allowed Bethany, as an actress, to do something quite wonderful.”