Baby Reindeer Martha star Jessica Gunning's life off screen including surprising real accent

As Netflix unveils its chilling new drama Baby Reindeer, audiences are in for a spine-tingling ride into the dark and disturbing world of stalking and obsession.

Based on the harrowing true story of Richard Gadd, who both pens and stars in the series, Baby Reindeer delves deep into the terrifying ordeal he endured at the hands of a relentless stalker, Martha Scott.

In the series, Richard portrays Donny, a character inspired by his own experiences, whose life takes a terrifying turn after a simple act of kindness spirals into a nightmare of relentless harassment and intrusion.

Determined to reclaim his narrative and confront his trauma head-on, Richard channelled his experiences into a powerful stage play titled Baby Reindeer, which garnered critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before making its mark in London's Bush Theatre.

Jessica keeps her life very private
Jessica keeps her life very private -Credit:Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock

Jessica Gunning is the actress captivating viewers with her portrayal of stalker Martha - but what do we know about her life away from the cameras?

The TV star, who was born in Huddersfield, made her small-screen debut when in an episode of Doctor Who back in 2008.

Jessica stars as Martha in Netflix's Baby Reindeer
Jessica stars as Martha in Netflix's Baby Reindeer -Credit:Netflix

She then starred as Angela in Law & Order: UK and then joined Stephen Merchant in The Outlaws.

Unlike most actors, little is known about Jessica, with the star deciding to avoid all aspects of social media, including Instagram and Twitter/X.

Jessica's co-star Richard, who plays Donny, the character influenced by his own ordeal, recently shared a backstage photo of the pair of them on social media, leading to many fans expressing their hopes for her to get online.

"Please get her on Instagram, she's a star," one fan wrote, while another commented: "Wish she had social media." A third added: "You both are stars!"

Lorraine viewers were shocked to find out Jessica is not really Scottish
Lorraine viewers were shocked to find out Jessica is not really Scottish -Credit:Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock

Jessica shocked fans during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine as they discovered that, despite her impressive accent on the hit Netflix show, she is not actually Scottish.

Host Lorraine Kelly chatted to comedian Richard about his football team Dundee United yet was hugely stunned when Jessica spoke in a West Yorkshire accent.

This prompted the anchor to squeal to the cast member : "You obviously sound so different!

"Can I say as a Scottish person - and we are both Scottish people [gesturing to Richard] - cracking accent!

"I honestly thought you were Scottish!"

Jessica, who was giggling, then replied: "Thank you so much!"

Lorraine continued: "And you speaking like that, it's like 'wow! Is Jessica talking funny?' It's amazing."

One show fan was quick to agree and took to X to write: "Wait.. #JessicaGunning isn't Scottish?????

"WOW…. She does an incredible Scottish accent!! Bravo."