BBC star 'scared' after meeting Hollywood icon on set of new Agatha Christie drama

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Mimi Keene has revealed she was "scared" after meeting a Hollywood icon on the set of new Agatha Christie drama Towards Zero.

The classic murder mystery follows a recently divorced couple called Nevile and Audrey (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Ella Lily Hyland), who spend their summer on the estate belonging to his aunt Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston). Mimi plays Nevile's new wife Kay, who joins the group on a tension-filled holiday.

"Add to this a long-suffering lady's companion, a mysterious gentleman's valet, an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan, and a French con man, and soon there will be a murder," the official logline teases.

"A troubled detective must rediscover his purpose to untangle a toxic web of jealously, deceit and dysfunction. Can he solve the crime before another victim meets their death?"

Speaking to The Mirror and other media and at a press event for the new series, Mimi reflected on spending time with Anjelica on-set, with the pair sharing several "wonderful" moments together.

The Sex Education star explained that life imitated art when she was able to chat with Anjelica on her character's bed in between takes.

"It's weird that she was in a bed, yeah, but it was great. I mean, it was strange because [that was] in the scene meeting her and that's how it was. I met her briefly just beforehand, which was very nice," she said.

"I was obviously a bit nervous, but truly once we got started, I'm meant to be nervous anyway. I'm working, I'm getting to do this scene with her, and I'm so excited and nervous, but I'm watching her and thinking, 'Oh god, you're so good,' but at the same time, as soon as we started, she made me feel so relaxed, and I was able to do my job.

"So, it was a very surreal experience in that sense. I was scared, but it was so wonderful and off-set she was amazing."

Nevile actor Oliver Jackson-Cohen also gushed over his on-screen aunt, saying: "[She was] phenomenal. I feel like there's a reason why these people are like icons, because the work she's done over the years is impeccable, and the way she approaches things."

He continued: "She sort of showed up and was just so unbelievably prepared and gracious and kind. The set just went really quiet, and everyone was trying to be on their best behaviour.

"It's sort of unbelievable this thing that she commands, but not through fear and not through entitlement. There's this real kind of unbelievable quality to her. I don't think I've ever worked with an actor who's managed to channel [her status] in such a gracious way."

Mimi, who played Cindy Williams in EastEnders, went on to reveal that the cast shared many lunches with Anjelica on the Devonshire coast, where she told them "lots of stories" from her glittering career. It was also confirmed that The Addams Family star "loves a natter" and is a massive fan of Coronation Street.

Towards Zero also stars Jackie Clune, Grace Doherty, Jack Farthing, Clarke Peters, Matthew Rhys, Anjana Vasan, Khalil Ben Gharbia and Adam Hugill.

The series has been adapted for screen by BAFTA-nominated writer Rachel Bennette and directed by Olivier Award-winning filmmaker Sam Yates.

Towards Zero will premiere on Sunday, March 2 at 9pm on BBC One