The Sixth Commandment Interviews: Annabel Scholey plays Ann-Marie Blake

In the new BBC One true crime drama The Sixth Commandment, which delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in the small Buckinghamshire town of Maids Moreton. Annabel Scholey plays Ann-Marie, the neice of Ann Moore-Martin, here she tells us about the attractions of playing a real life character and why she wanted to appear in the drama.

Can you tell us more about the role you’re playing?

Ann-Marie is the niece of Ann Moore-Martin who was the potential second victim of Ben Field. She was incredibly close to her auntie who seems to have become a bit of a mother figure. There’s a beautiful scene where my character even says that her aunt taught her to read and write. She’s obviously completely devastated when her aunt falls ill and an MRI scan reveals that something isn’t right. She makes it her mission to get to the bottom of this out of guilt as well as out of love and grief. She’s very determined and dogged and has a very raw emotional response, which I really enjoy playing.

Why does she feel uneasy about her aunt’s relationship with Ben?

At first I think it’s a gut reaction – when you’re so close to a person and you know that there’s something slightly off, but you have no idea what that might be. It’s subconscious because he doesn’t do anything particularly out of the ordinary at first. In fact he’s quite helpful around the house, making cups of tea and keeping her company – and he’s also part of the church which her husband Simon keeps reminding her when she doubts him. But it feels as if whenever she calls her aunt Ben is there, but he won’t come to the phone to say hello and he’s never there when they visit, which is quite regularly because Ann likes to see the children. That’s what initially worries her. The differences in Ann are very subtle and most people probably wouldn’t notice but Ann-Marie senses that she’s not herself – slightly distracted, a little bit dishevelled, unsteady on her feet which is very out of character.

What does Ann do when her niece tries to pry and asks her personal questions about her relationship with Ben?

She becomes very closed off when Ann-Marie confronts her. She defends Ben like a new lover and Ann-Marie can’t understand that at all and it definitely comes between them. They are best friends as well as like mother and daughter but that changes as she becomes quite cold towards Ane-Marie, which is obviously incredibly hurtful.

In what ways would you characterise Ben Field?

I think Ben Field is like a black hole. He sucks the life out of people whilst having the veneer of somebody very gentle, quite smooth and very intelligent. But there is just something off-centre about him. The way Éanna plays him is fantastic – he’s disconcertingly calm and still but you feel as if your life is being sucked out of you – he stares right into your eyes.

What was it about this role that piqued your interest?

I’ve worked with Saul [Dibb – the director] before on The Salisbury Poisonings, which I really enjoyed – he’s a brilliant director and there was also the chance to play opposite Anne Reid who is so honest and raw. Ann-Marie’s very emotional, which is like me, so I was quite attracted to that. It’s always interesting to play somebody who is up and down emotionally. I also think it’s important that Ann Moore-Martin’s story is told. Sarah Phelps has focused on the humanity of the two victims which is really important to the families and a big responsibility for the cast.

What’s it like to play a real-life character in a crime drama?

Playing a person who’s still alive is a real privilege. It’s the second time I’ve done that – in The Salisbury Poisonings I played Sarah Bailey. I love acting but this role feels as if I’m also doing something more important, bringing attention to Ann and Ann-Marie’s story. I can only imagine how deeply upsetting it must still be for her family. Anne Reid plays Ann so powerfully. She’s not just an older woman – she’s a head teacher, very glamorous, intelligent, sharp, smart and funny. I’ve admired Anne forever so it’s amazing to work with her.

In what ways do you think The Sixth Commandment will resonate with viewers?

I do think we have quite a fascination with true crime here in the UK especially something based on such an unbelievable true story. When I got the scripts, I immediately went onto the internet because I hadn’t seen anything about it in the news. Then I watched the documentary and I thought ‘This is insane. How did he get away with this?’ I think people will be thoroughly drawn in. It’s a great cast and I think audiences will be able to relate to the victims; we’ve all got relatives and neighbours who live alone and might be vulnerable. It’s a very relatable, frightening story.

The Sixth Commandment Premieres Monday 17 July 2023 on BBC One and iPlayer.