Daniel Mays Opens Up About ‘Toxic’ Role as Infamous Rapist in ITV’s Believe Me
Daniel Mays has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of portraying the notorious taxi driver rapist, John Worboys, in ITV’s upcoming drama Believe Me. The actor, who has over 25 years of experience in the industry, admitted that the role of one of Britain’s most infamous sex offenders was far more challenging than he initially anticipated.
Mays, 46, revealed that stepping into the shoes of Worboys, whose crimes involved drugging and assaulting women in his black taxi, was an emotionally draining experience. “I won’t lie, sometimes it was incredibly tough,” he said in an interview with GB News and other outlets. “It was unsettling, and inherently isolating.”
Mays acknowledged that playing such a dark and disturbing character put him under significant pressure. “It was difficult to portray, and the nature of it is very isolating,” he explained. “But I knew I had to humanize him somehow, explore what made him who he was, and try to understand the mindset behind those horrifying actions.”
The story of Believe Me is based on the real-life case of John Worboys, who targeted his victims under the guise of offering them a celebration drink after a supposed win at the casino or lottery. His tactics allowed him to commit his crimes without being caught for years, and it wasn’t until he had attacked over 12 women that he was finally apprehended in 2009. The drama focuses on two women, Sarah and Laila, who bravely came forward to accuse Worboys, but found themselves fighting an inadequate investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Mays recalled how the role was offered to him by Believe Me writer Jeff Pope, who first reached out through a personal message to ensure Mays understood the sensitive nature of the project. “He texted me saying, ‘I’m going to send you an offer for a role, but I wanted to tell you directly before it goes through your agent,’” Mays remembered. Despite the heavy material, Mays didn’t hesitate to accept, citing his previous work with Pope as a strong motivator.
The series has sparked public debate over the inadequacy of police investigations and the failings of the justice system that allowed Worboys to continue his reign of terror. Mays praised Pope for his detailed and emotionally compelling storytelling, noting that Pope’s journalistic background ensured that the script was meticulously researched.
Mays, who has gained a reputation for his diverse roles across TV and film, also acknowledged that playing such a deeply troubled character left a significant emotional impact. “It was a challenge I wasn’t prepared for, but the whole experience of working on this show has been enlightening,” he reflected.
As Believe Me prepares to air, the drama promises to shine a light on the complexities of the case, the personal struggles of those affected, and the failures of a system that allowed such crimes to go unchallenged for years.
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