Actress Bethany Asher is making waves in the entertainment industry with her leading role in the new series of Sherwood, a Nottinghamshire-set crime drama that is set to return to BBC One on Sunday. Asher, who has Down’s syndrome, hopes that her role in the series will break down barriers facing other actors with similar conditions.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leicester, Asher expressed her excitement about working alongside established stars such as David Morrissey, Lesley Manville, David Harewood, and Robert Lindsay. She described the experience as “mindblowing” and thanked series director James Graham for trusting her with a major part.
“People don’t really expect too much from me because I have Down’s syndrome, but James Graham trusted me with a brilliant storyline,” Asher 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.”
Asher plays the character 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 Ryan, viewers can expect to be “very shocked” by the events that unfold in the series.
This role marks a significant milestone for Asher, who took up acting in 2018 and has now landed her first major role. Her mother, Bekki, expressed pride in her daughter’s achievements, stating, “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.”
Asher’s performance in Sherwood is not only a testament to her talent but also a step towards greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. She hopes that her part will encourage other directors to cast actors with Down’s syndrome and showcase the diverse range of talent that exists within the community.
