Character: Lucy Markham
Actor: Emily Blunt
Episode: War Games

Rising star Emily Blunt clocks up her third appearance in a major ITV1 drama in Foyle's War.

Emily, who played Alex Kingston's daughter in Boudica and tragic young queen Katherine Howard in Henry VIII with Ray Winstone, comes into the 20th century as struggling farmer's daughter Lucy Markham.

"Lucy is a real trouper, she wants and needs to see the best in everything, and she knows she will crumble under pressure unless she is positive. She wants the simple life and needs to feel happy and secure in the life that she has with her brother, Harry. But it's an uphill struggle."

Lucy and Harry (Luke de Woolfson) inherited their farm after the death of their father and are finding it difficult to keep afloat. Harry is bitter about his lot, which has landed him in trouble.

"She is vulnerable and has a fear of being alone and that's why she's terrified about her brother getting into trouble. We are not too alike because I never feel lonely and have lots of friends," says Emily.

"We are similar in our love for our brothers, though. I have one brother and two sisters and am very close to them. But if events hit rock bottom, I would be the sort of person who would rant about it and be more confrontational, but Lucy would sweep it under the carpet."

After leaving drama school, 20-year-old Emily worked in the theatre, winning an Evening Standard best newcomer award for her role in the play The Royal Family. Hailed by critics, she nevertheless saw the less glamorous side of acting when she appeared as Isolde in Boudica.

"It was very tough filming in Rumania. Eastern Europe in the middle of winter is no fun and I have never felt that cold. The cast and crew glued ourselves together to make it work."

Happily, Emily found warmer conditions for her latest job. "I'm working on an art house film called My Summer of Love. It's my first feature and I am playing one of two girls who befriend each other. It's a beautiful film."

October 2003; Publicity Release