BBC Father Brown's Brenda star admits she's 'not the biggest fan' of character

Danni King
·2-min read
Father Brown
-Credit:BBC


Father Brown is back on TV screens with a twelfth season, which began airing on BBC One on 12 January. Mark Williams is back as Father Brown once again, joined by fellow returning cast members, including Tom Chambers as Chief Inspector Sullivan, Claudie Blakley as Mrs Devine, and John Burton as Sergeant Goodfellow.

Ruby-May Martinwood has also returned as Brenda Palmer, and the actress has shared an insight into what fans can expect from her character in the new series.

She teased: "Brenda is more involved in the investigations as ever this series. She also puts her dancing shoes back on!"

Ruby-May Martinwood
Ruby-May Martinwood plays Brenda in Father Brown -Credit:BBC

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Ruby, who has also starred in Death in Paradise and Taboo, revealed what she enjoys most about portraying Brenda and discussed her character's complexity.

"What I love most about playing Brenda is she is super down-to-earth, feisty, smarter than she knows, and so incredibly innocent yet always right on the money when it comes to investigating murders. Also, it’s always fun to play a character that’s a little bit naughty and a little bit of a terror," she shared.

"Brenda been through a lot and has quite a lot on her shoulders for how young she is, so it’s always nice to show that side of her as well."

Father Brown
Father Brown airs on BBC One -Credit:BBC

She went on to discuss Brenda's reaction to Mrs Devine and Sullivan's wedding in the second series, admitting that her character isn't Sullivan's "biggest fan" but tries to see past their differences.

"Brenda is beside herself happy for Mrs Devine, although she’s not Inspector Sullivan’s biggest fan she does know deep down that he can make her happy. She also pretends she doesn’t like dresses but I think she’s growing into herself now and probably quite likes to wear a dress," Ruby explained.

She added: "Brenda is one of these people who always surprises herself with her talents and abilities. She loves dancing and loves music it’s always her way to express herself and let go and have fun! She finds herself entering a big ballroom dance competition."

Father Brown season 12 continues every Friday at 2pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer