Strike: The Ink Black Heart teased in BBC trailer
Strike: The Ink Black Heart is set to hit the screens, but what do we know about its star Holliday Grainger?
Following the triumph of Strike: Trouble Blood two years ago, another instalment from JK Rowling's acclaimed crime novel series is being brought to life on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
In this new chapter, Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) and Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger) delve into the mysterious death of a beloved cartoon co-creator, haunted by an enigmatic online figure.
As we anticipate the show's comeback, let's delve into the life of Holliday Grainger, who brings Robin to life.
Early Years
Born in Didsbury, Manchester in March 1988, Grainger was raised by her mother Jan, a graphic designer, following her parents' separation.
Despite financial constraints, Grainger's mother ensured her daughter could engage in activities like piano lessons, ballet, and martial arts.
The now 36-year-old actress made her acting debut at the tender age of six in the comedy-drama All Quiet On The Preston Front.
Initially considering acting as a hobby, she decided to pursue it full-time after landing a role in BBC's Waterloo Road, leaving Leeds University in the process.
Anxiety
While the star of The Capture tends to keep her personal life private, she has previously opened up about her struggles with anxiety.
Opening up on The Road Less Travelled podcast, she also expressed how life "gets harder" the older you are.
She shared: "I never suffered from any kind of anxiety but then I feel like this is, the more I talk to people my age, the more like, oh god, you know, things just get harder, don't they?"
Me Too
Touching on a sensitive topic, whilst Grainger hasnt explicitly revealed experiences of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry, there have been subtle indications of such encounters.
The controversy around JK Rowling's comments deemed "transphobic" has prompted many to seek her perspective; however, Grainger has largely held her peace on this and other delicate matters.
She confided in The Independent about the pressures to speak out, saying: "People always ask me to comment on the JK Rowling thing, but I've never once been asked a question about people who I was really scared to be asked about [high profile sexual harassment].
Famous partner
In her personal life, Grainger enjoys a stable partnership with actor Harry Treadway, known for his work in Mr Mercedes, The Crown, Star Trek: Picard, and particularly as Dr Victor Frankenstein in Penny Dreadful.
Treadway has a celebrity connection beyond his own career; he's the identical twin of Luke Treadway, notable for his performance in A Street Cat Named Bob.
While the details of their initial meeting remain undisclosed, it has been reported that Grainger and Treadway became parents to twins in 2021.
"I really respected everyone that came forward with their own experiences because it wouldn't have had an impact had not everyone done that. But I'm too p***y f*****g chickens*** to do it."
Strike: The Ink Black Heart premieres on Monday, December 16, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
