THE real life story of a top glamour model who took her own life was the inspiration for Lynda LaPlante’s latest TV drama.
The Liverpool-born writer was so shocked to read about the suicide of a woman that apparently had it all – stunningly beautiful, successful and financially secure – that she had to learn more.
“One moment she had been the life and soul of a party, the next she had thrown herself to her death from a balcony,” says LaPlante, who grew up in Crosby before moving to London to study at drama school RADA.
“The post mortem report indicated that this young girl, the envy of most teenagers, was underweight and addicted to cocaine. No one could find a reason for her suicide, she had not appeared to be depressed, but from the autopsy she was obviously very drug addicted.”
LaPlante, 66, found herself drawn to these tragic stories and began collecting references to the decline of the famous and successful – Britney Spears shaving her head, Amy Whitehouse’s addiction to alcohol.
She also worked with a therapist to try and understand what takes these young stars on a public path of self-destruction.
“The opportunities for fame are numerous, with thousands of hopefuls attempting to become famous via shows like X Factor,” says the Prime Suspect writer.
“Once fame is achieved, the path to potential ruin begins almost immediately.”
From her research she created the victim of Silent Scream, the latest instalment of her crime series Above Suspicion.
Actress Amanda Delaney is on the cusp of international superstardom when she’s found stabbed in her bed.
Several former lovers and flatmates are in the frame for her murder, as well as the cast and crew of her last film.
Kelly Reilly returns as DI Anna Travis, who is completely unfazed by the celebrity world.
“Everyone else seems to be a bit starstruck, but she’s so practical,” says the 34-year-old.
“It's weird, the things that make her feel uneasy are personal, emotional things to do with her. But a famous director on a movie set, she’s just like, ‘What's all the fuss about?’”
