Dual role was huge draw for The Woman in White star Olivia Vinall

DOING some research for BBC 1’s new Sunday night drama The Woman In White was a real shock for star Olivia Vinall.

The five-part series is based on Wilkie Collins’ acclaimed Victorian psychological thriller.

It takes viewers on a chilling ride down the shadowy paths and corridors of English country houses and into the depths of an 19th Century madhouse.

And it was the treatment of females at the time that Olivia found a real eye-opener.

“I was particularly interested in the use of asylums at the time as it is so intrinsic to the plot and something I knew very little about,” said Olivia.

“It was shocking to discover the reasons many women were locked away.

“Examples I came across were reading too much, laziness, feebleness of intellect, grief, having period pains, talking too loudly, staring, and many more.

“It’s unbelievable that it was often easier for a family to have someone locked away rather than offer to help or try to understand.”

Olivia has a dual role in the series, as Laura and also the Woman In White.

She says the opportunity to take on both roles was a huge draw, especially as it was the first time the same actress had played both.

“The hair and make-up designer and the whole team were incredible at helping with the visual similarities and differences including dying my eyebrows, using fake teeth and cheek fillers,” explained Olivia.

“It would always feel strange on a day when I would do different scenes for each character, and seeing the crew’s reaction when you came out of the truck.

“Having bleached eyebrows on your days off is also an unusual experience!”

The Woman In White, tonight, BBC1, 9pm.