Ruth Madeley Stars in Timely Climate Thriller 'The Rapture'

Actress Ruth Madeley is set to star in the BBC's new adaptation of Liz Jensen's 2009 bestseller, 'The Rapture,' a thriller set against the backdrop of a sweltering heatwave and the escalating climate crisis. The 38-year-old actor plays Gabs, a clinical psychologist who is paralyzed after a car accident that killed her husband. Gabs becomes fixated on an inmate named Bethany, played by India Amarteifio, who is convicted of murdering her mother and claims to have visions. Despite Gabs's initial skepticism, Bethany's predictions begin to manifest, mirroring the real-world urgency of climate change.

Madeley's role in 'The Rapture' aligns with her previous work, particularly her breakout performance in Russell T Davies's apocalyptic drama 'Years and Years.' That series, which explored societal collapse and ended with a monkey flu pandemic, proved eerily prescient when the world entered lockdown a year later. Madeley humorously told Davies that he was no longer permitted to write anything further due to the strain on her nerves.

In 'The Rapture,' the oppressive heat and the presence of climate activists serve as a constant reminder of the environmental themes woven into the narrative. Madeley's career has increasingly focused on challenging perceptions, particularly regarding disability in the entertainment industry. She is known for her role as a "badass" character in 'Doctor Who' and is actively redefining how disability is portrayed on screen. Her husband reportedly finds her demanding acting career amusing.

Madeley expressed surprise at the abundance of work available to her, stating, "I thought there’d never be enough work!" Her career trajectory, marked by impactful roles in thought-provoking productions, positions her as a significant figure in contemporary television and a voice for greater inclusivity in media.