You probably know her as Martha. That specific, chilling, yet somehow heartbreaking laugh from Baby Reindeer is hard to shake once it’s in your head. But honestly, Jessica Gunning has been a powerhouse in the British acting scene for nearly two decades. It just took a "7-foot tall" Netflix phenomenon for the rest of the world to catch up to what UK casting directors have known since 2007.
She isn't just a "breakout star." She's a veteran who finally got her flowers.
The Martha Effect and the Baby Reindeer Explosion
Let’s be real: Baby Reindeer changed everything. When Jessica Gunning took on the role of Martha Scott, she wasn't just playing a "stalker." She was playing a deeply lonely, mentally fractured woman who viewed a simple cup of tea as a wedding proposal.
Gunning has mentioned in interviews that it took five auditions to land the part. She almost didn't get it. Can you imagine anyone else doing that final voicemail scene? Her performance was so raw that it actually sparked a massive global conversation about mental health and the legalities of "true story" dramatizations.
The industry noticed. Fast. By the time 2025 rolled around, she had basically swept every major trophy shelf. We’re talking:
🔗 Read more: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress.
- A Golden Globe (where she beat out some massive Hollywood legends).
- A SAG Award in early 2025.
- A BAFTA, which felt like a hometown victory.
It’s rare to see a performance that is both genuinely terrifying and deeply pitiable. Most actors lean one way. Gunning stood right in the uncomfortable middle.
Before the Fame: The "Oh, It’s Her!" Years
If you feel like you’ve seen her before Baby Reindeer, you definitely have. Gunning spent years as one of those "reliable" actors who shows up in every great British drama but whose name you might not have caught on the first pass.
That Doctor Who Episode
One of her earliest TV appearances was in the 2008 Doctor Who episode "Partners in Crime." She played Stacey Campbell, a woman who—spoiler alert—ends up being "composed" into dozens of tiny, cute-but-deadly fat creatures called Adipose. It’s a classic bit of Whovian weirdness. Even then, Gunning had this ability to be incredibly likable right before something tragic happened to her character.
Law & Order: UK
For about 29 episodes, she was Angela, the steady, organized receptionist. It was a "procedural" role, sure, but she brought a warmth to it that kept her on the show for years. It’s a far cry from the chaotic energy of her later characters, proving she can do "normal" just as well as "eccentric."
💡 You might also like: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
Pride (2014)
If you haven't seen the movie Pride, stop reading this and go find it. Gunning plays Siân James, a real-life housewife who became a fierce activist during the UK miners' strike. Her performance is the emotional heartbeat of that film. Fun fact: Gunning recently spoke about how filming Pride was a massive moment of self-discovery for her, eventually leading to her coming out as gay in her personal life. The movie is a masterpiece of queer history and labor rights, and Gunning is spectacular in it.
The Outlaws: Diane Pemberley is a Legend
While Baby Reindeer made her a star, The Outlaws (created by Stephen Merchant) proved she was a comedic genius. As Diane Pemberley, the community service supervisor who takes her job way too seriously, Gunning is a riot.
Diane is obsessed with authority, rides a tiny electric scooter like it’s a Harley-Davidson, and gives long, winding speeches that usually go nowhere. What’s even cooler? For the third season in 2024, Gunning actually joined the writers' room. She wasn't just delivering the lines; she was helping craft the jokes.
It’s a masterclass in physical comedy. The way she stands, the way she holds her baton—it’s pure gold. If you only know her from the dark intensity of Martha, seeing her as Diane will give you whiplash in the best way possible.
📖 Related: Why October London Make Me Wanna Is the Soul Revival We Actually Needed
What’s Next for Jessica Gunning in 2026?
The "Gunning-ance" isn't slowing down. Now that she’s an Emmy and Golden Globe winner, the projects are getting bigger and weirder.
- The Magic Faraway Tree (2026): This is a huge one. Based on the Enid Blyton books, she’s starring alongside Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. It’s a big-budget fantasy adventure directed by Ben Gregor. Expect something whimsical and probably a bit trippy.
- The Christophers: A project where she plays Sallie Sklar.
- Anxious People: She’s involved in the adaptation of the Fredrik Backman novel, which is basically a dream casting scenario for anyone who has read that book.
Why She Matters
Gunning represents a shift in what a "leading lady" looks like in 2026. She isn't a cookie-cutter Hollywood archetype. She’s a character actor who forced her way into lead status through sheer, undeniable talent.
She often talks about the "vision board" she kept for years, featuring actors like Kathy Bates and Jodie Foster. Beating them for awards in 2025 wasn't just a fluke—it was the result of 17 years of doing the work in small rooms, National Theatre stages, and guest spots on BBC procedurals.
How to Watch the Best of Jessica Gunning
If you're looking to catch up on her career, here is the essential watchlist in order of "vibe":
- For the Thrills: Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
- For the Laughs: The Outlaws (BBC/Prime Video)
- For the Feels: Pride (Film)
- For the Mystery: What Remains (BBC)
- For the Sci-Fi History: Doctor Who Season 4, Episode 1
Start with The Outlaws if you need a palate cleanser after the heaviness of Baby Reindeer. Diane Pemberley is the best medicine for the "Martha" creeps.
Keep an eye on the UK release of The Magic Faraway Tree in March 2026. It's likely going to be her biggest commercial film to date, and seeing her transition into a family-friendly fantasy world after the R-rated intensity of her recent work is going to be fascinating to watch.