If you’re a fan of compelling character-driven stories and sharp, witty humor, you’ll want to tune in to BBC3’s Daddy Issues on August 15th. In this upcoming series, actress Taj Atwal takes on the role of Cherry, a young single mother navigating the ups and downs of life alongside her unexpected ally, Gemma, played by Aimee Lou Wood. Taj Atwal, known for her standout performances in Hullraisers and Line of Duty, gives us an exclusive glimpse into her character’s journey in Daddy Issues, the challenges of switching between comedy and drama, and how the vibrant setting of Manchester breathes life into the series. Read on as Taj shares insights into her career, her passion for storytelling, and her latest ventures in screenwriting.
Photographer: Joseph Sinclair
Taj, your upcoming role in Daddy Issues alongside Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey sounds intriguing. Can you tell us more about your character and how she supports Gemma through her unexpected pregnancy?
Gemma and Cherry were once frenemies who very quickly bond over their love of a night out. They’re both outsiders and are bullied by the same girls. When Cherry discovers Gemma is pregnant, she has a newfound fondness for her and a desire to make the friendship work. Cherry is very quickly swept along in Gemma’s escapades.
Cherry is a young single mother of two children who is still trying to figure out how to choose the right friends, get over heart break from the love of her life who left her for a younger woman (Cherry is only 24!) whilst still living out her hedonistic years. There isn’t anyone her age that has children, they’re all older mothers who she doesn’t have all that much in common with. So befriending her school frenemy Gemma, who reveals she is pregnant, is a revelation! She finally has a fun friend her age!
You’ve been nominated again for Best Female in a Comedy at the TV BAFTAs for your role in Hullraisers. How does it feel to be recognized for your comedic talent, and what do you enjoy most about playing Rana?
Obviously we are always told not to seek external validation, but being recognised by your peers and BAFTA is very nice! ha ha. I feel very proud to represent.
I got to play a character that was sexually empowered and badass; who lives her life on her own terms without apology. One of Rana’s lines was something like “I fucking love me, just as I am”. During rehearsal I kept trying to give her this inner turmoil, inner conflict – surely, she isn’t really this confident, maybe she is quietly scared? But when I let that go and fully leaned into her loving every part of who she is, every moment embodying her felt so free and powerful!
Your performance as PC Tatleen in Line of Duty was widely acclaimed. How do you approach shifting between intense drama roles like in Line of Duty and comedic roles in shows like Hullraisers and Daddy Issues?
I always try to do at least one comedy a year. Mainly because I love the feeling of making people laugh and smile. But honestly, the process is always the same. The same amount of prep. Maybe the atmosphere on set is a little lighter on a comedy and the ‘comedown’ from a big dramatic shoot can last a little longer.
Photographer: Joseph Sinclair
Daddy Issues is set in Stockport, Manchester, and follows the vibrant weekend escapades of its characters. How do the setting and cultural backdrop of Manchester influence the storyline and your portrayal of your character?
Aimee (Lou Wood) is from Stockport and it was lovely seeing the community support her and be so proud of her! The city is so alive and electric and I feel that’s woven into the fabric of the story and characters. Cherry is a vibrant, hundred miles an hour young woman with so much energy and very much what you see is what you get. I think the people of Manchester wear their hearts on their sleeves – I think you can see that in Cherry.
Alongside your acting career, you are also writing a script for a film with Fable Pictures and Hinterland Productions. Can you share any details about this project and what inspired you to venture into screenwriting?
I’m writing a movie called Paradise Fields, loosely based on my own childhood experiences. The film questions ‘what is home’, ‘how do we define home’. A young girl becomes homeless and along with her best friend, who is also on the verge of homelessness, they become each other’s lifeline. When you’re fifteen and trying to be everything to one person without being fully developed emotionally yourself that brings up a LOT of friendship trouble. These girls are each other’s catalyst for change. My heroine embodies all the versions of me when I was younger as well as elements of people I met along the way.
As a patron of York’s Theatre@41 and an ambassador for The Children’s Air Ambulance, you are actively involved in philanthropy. How do these roles influence your perspective as an actress, and what motivated you to support these causes?
I’ve always been involved in charitable work. At sixteen I was encouraged to participate in the millennium volunteers programme as I was doing lots of voluntary work for the charity, that I used for a number of years, called SASH (Safe and Sound Homes) which led me to completing my certificate for 50 hours of volunteering whilst studying at college. I loved organising events for young 16–25-year-olds going through homelessness and bringing people together from all walks of life. To be able to see how, together, we could make a change along with the people who had the power to make that change, like the local councils, local police and housing trusts. I met and made a lot of friends from within those local housing trusts and charities which has informed my writing.
Using my voice and giving my time to organisations that I believe in have always played an important role in my life. In many ways acting is about empathy and understanding for the character as well as the situations they find themselves in. The same as having empathy and understanding towards others. Now more than ever in times of social unrest, we need compassion for humanity.
Working with a talented cast and crew in Daddy Issues must have been an exciting experience. Are there any behind-the-scenes moments or anecdotes from filming that stand out to you and encapsulate the spirit of the show?
I mean…what a cast! I feel so thankful to have worked alongside them. It’s the creme da la creme of comedy. I’d already worked with Sarah Hadland on Miranda and Sharon Rooney on The Control Room so it was exciting to be on another project with them both.
Every day was a challenge to just get through a scene without wetting yourself laughing at what the other actors were doing. Everyone is so genuinely funny. Much to the crews’ dismay when you’re having to retake after take because you can’t stop laughing. Sometimes I couldn’t look at Aimee or Arian (Nik) and deliver my lines because we’d just crack up. Thankfully those kinds of reactions lent themselves to our characters’ friendships.
Finally, can you tell us more about your current projects and any future plans or considerations you have? Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Keep your eyes peeled for some very exciting news soon to come on a very cool project I am on!
I’d just like to end this conversation by saying that now, more than ever, hold your friends close. I know a lot of my fellow friends of colour are scared about what we are witnessing with the increase in racism. Create safe spaces for each other to hold difficult conversations about race and humanity. Listen, learn and love X
Daddy Issues starts on Thursday 15th August on BBC3 at 9pm
Photographer: Joseph Sinclair
Styling: Ben James Adams
Make-up: Justine Jenkins
Hair: Josh Knight
