Baby Reindeer's Martha star almost unrecognisable in first role since hit Netflix drama

Actress Jessica Gunning returns to screens in BBC One's The Outlaws following the phenomenal success of Netflix drama Baby Reindeer.

By Fran Winston, Showbiz Reporter

Jessica Gunning in character as Martha in Baby reindeer sitting on a bar stool holding a handbag and smiling

Jessica Gunning played Martha in Netflix's massive hit, Baby Reindeer

(Image: Netflix)

Baby Reindeer star Jessica Gunning looks a million miles from Martha in her latest role. The star has played Diane Pemberley in the Stephen Merchant penned BBC comedy The Outlaws since series one, and tonight (May 30) sees the beginning of series three. Gone is Martha's curly hair and floral skirts, and in their place is slicked back hair and a PCSO uniform. The character would never be seen waiting at a bus stop - preferring instead to use her trusty Segway to get around.

This is Jessica's first role since she went global in the hit Netflix show. This BBC series sees the character's role extended and Jessica was even invited into the writer's room to contribute towards the script. Speaking to Express.co.uk and other press at a screening of the show held in London, she shared of the experience: "I loved it, I think it's such a great ensemble show, we all know the character so well now.
"I was lucky to be invited to the writer's room this time so I got to see a bit of behind-the-scenes. It was so great to see the care and consideration that gets taken into mapping out the whole journey, and how well all the writers, as well, know the characters. Watching Stephen at work and how incredibly detailed and intricate it is, especially when you're doing a crime, thriller, comedy, a bit of everything, it was amazing to watch," she enthused.
The show follows seven misfits ordered to do community service in Bristol, England under Diane's watchful eye - and she takes the job very seriously.
The last series saw crime boss The Dean (played by Claes Bang) arrested, and with him now behind bars awaiting trial, the group attempt to move on with their lives. However, their newly quiet life is thrown into turmoil when one of their own returns with a deadly secret which hurls them back into danger.

Jessica Gunning smiling and pointing at the camera in character as PCSO Diane Pemberley in The Outlaws

Jessica Gunning is back for the third series of The Outlaws and her character Diane Pemberley still has aspirations to be a Dectective. When we meet her this time round, she is a PCSO.

(Image: BBC)

PCSO Diane Pemberley riding a Segway scooter on the pavement wearing a helmet on her head

Rather than pounding the beat, PCSO Diane Pemberley spends a lot of time on her trusty Segway in this series of The Outlaws. It allows her to unexpectedly swoop up behind people she wants to catch unawares.

(Image: BBC)

PCSO Diane Pemberley standing while DS Lucy Haines sits in a courtroom

Diane's idol is still DS Lucy Haines (played by Grace Calder) and she does everything she can to get close to her, frequently inviting her for drinks.

(Image: BBC)

PCSO Diane Pemberley and her assistant Stan standing beside a fence looking at something in the distance

Diane Pemberley is delighted to have an assistant, Stan (Harry Trevaldwyn), and takes full advantage of the opportunity to share her wisdom about crime solving. For his part, Stan laps up all her tricks of the trade and goes out of his way to please her.

(Image: BBC)
Netflix BBC Baby Reindeer

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