Baby Reindeer star opens up about filming 'intense' scene that left viewers 'stunned'

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you'll know all about the buzz surrounding Netflix's brand-new thriller series, Baby Reindeer.

The seven-part show - which is currently in the top spot on the streaming platform - is based on the true story of comedian Richard Gadd, who found himself in a terrifying situation when he was relentlessly harassed by a stalker.

Since its release earlier this month, Netflix viewers have been going absolutely wild for it, trying to figure out all the hidden details and secret meanings of the show.

The drama, which is written and produced by Richard Gadd - who also stars - focuses on Donny (Gadd) and his warped relationship with a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning), who becomes his stalker after they meet at the pub in which he works.

There are a few particular scenes, however, that have really caught the attention of fans - one of which includes the café/diner scene which arguably first sets the harrowing tone for the rest of the series.

In the very first episode, Donny agrees to meet Martha for coffee as a means of de-escalating the situation following her relentless fixation on him.

There, Donny tries to explain to Martha they are 'just friends' before she tries to get Donny to open up about the 'deep wounds' of his past while holding his hand.

Clearly uncomfortable by the interaction, Donny asks his stalker to let go of his hand while she refuses.

Tensions come to a peak after Donny begs multiple times for Martha to let go until he finally raises his voice and rips his hand away from her grasp.

At this point, Martha lets out a bellowing 'Don't!' before screaming in the middle of the cafe: "Don't you dare!"

The pair are left in a deafening silence while the other punters in the cafe look on in utter shock.

Throughout the scene, the pair are checked on a few times by a waitress, played by Wreck star, Miya Ocego.

Following Martha's terrifying outburst, Miya's character brings the pair their coffees before worriedly asking: "Is everything alright here?" to which Donny assures her they are 'fine'.

Viewers have since rushed to social media to share their reactions to the scene, with one Reddit user writing: "Omg I was blown away. This series needs to win awards. Gunning needs to win best actress."

Another praised: "She's so good. The scene in the diner stunned me when they first go out for coffee.

"The way she went from holding his hand with empathy to full-blown rage in a second was absolutely terrifying."

Speaking to Tyla, Miya opened up about what it was like being involved in filming something so 'intense', especially with it being based on a true story.

While she may have only had a 'walk-on role' in the series, the 24-year-old told us her experience was 'amazing'.

"I was truly in awe of her talent"

"It was amazing to spend a couple of days on set that I did and see this part of Richard's story unfold," she explained. "I often found myself getting lost in the scene and may have missed my cue a couple of times!

"The scene was that intense it was almost captivating."

Miya tells us the actors 'spent the whole day on this scene' in particular under the influence of the series director, Weronika Tofilska, who she praises as being 'insanely talented'.

She also praised Richard for giving other accompanying actors on set 'freedom with their performance and character choices' while, of course, 'staying relevant to the actual truth behind the series and characters'.

Miya also noted: "Of course, with any major production there is always support available for cast and crew if we need which is also super important when doing projects as hard-hitting as Baby Reindeer because sometimes you never know how things will affect you until you are put in that position."

And as for any behind-the-scenes info?

Well, Miya tells Tyla that she was actually involved with Baby Reindeer before filming.

She said: "I read in for the role of Teri in the read-through so it was amazing to be in the room and hear Richard's story first-hand and see Jessica’s harrowing portrayal of Martha come to life.

"I was truly in awe of her talent and could hear the laugh that she did for Martha even weeks after!"

"I never knew it would blow up the way it has"

Recounting the read-through, Miya revealed there were even moments where 'you could feel the emotions take over the room'.

She added: "And, after speaking to Richard and finding out all of this actually happened to him earlier in his life made me have a whole new level of respect for him having the bravery to put this out into the world.

"I remember having a conversation with him too about my thoughts on the trans storyline which plays an important part throughout the series."

Miya continued: "With me being trans, I mentioned how integral it is to see these different perspectives of trans relationships and dating on screen as so often - speaking on behalf of my own experiences - people have a sense of shame, embarrassment and feel as though they need to hide us or keep us secret from their everyday life which can obviously take a toll on us as individuals as it almost makes us feel invalid and unworthy."

From working on the show in its early days to now seeing its incredible success, Miya revealed she 'never knew' it would blow up the way it has

"I obviously knew it would have people talking and affect people the same way it did me when I first sat down and heard Richard’s story but I never knew it would blow up the way it has," she told Tyla.

"It’s nice to have messages from people all over the world sharing their thoughts on the series to me, which is equally strange considering I played such a small part in Richard’s story!

"But yes I’m so happy for him to see just how well it’s done, he truly deserves it."

Baby Reindeer is available to stream on Netflix.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.