Ambika Mod is fast becoming one of British television’s most exciting new talents, and 2024 could be the year she truly breaks through to the mainstream. After an impressive career trajectory marked by standout roles in This Is Going to Hurt and One Day, Mod is set to take on a gripping new role in Disney+’s upcoming drama Playdate.
Mod’s portrayal of Emma Morley in Netflix’s One Day turned heads, marking a career-defining moment for the actress. Based on David Nicholls’ beloved novel, the series follows Emma’s evolving love story with Dexter Mayhew, played by Leo Woodall, across 20 years. The poignant portrayal of Emma’s loves, losses, and self-discovery resonated deeply with viewers, and Mod’s nuanced performance earned her critical acclaim. She has since reflected on her personal connection to Emma’s journey, noting how the character’s own struggles to find her place in the world mirrored her own path as an actress.
Now, with Playdate, Mod steps into a new and challenging role that promises to further solidify her place in the acting world. The show, directed by Eva Husson, is an adaptation of Alex Dahl’s novel and centres around a frantic, Europe-wide search after a woman discovers her daughter has been kidnapped during a seemingly innocent playdate. Mod’s involvement in such a high-stakes drama is a natural progression for the actress, whose career has already featured a range of emotionally complex roles.
The show stars Holliday Grainger and Jim Sturgess, who, interestingly, played Dexter Mayhew in the 2011 film adaptation of One Day. Mod opened up about the unique crossover and her friendship with Sturgess in a recent interview, “It’s mad. He brought it up, actually. He’s the loveliest, coolest man. He’s so great, and he’s so handsome! But he was so excited to watch One Day, and he texted me saying he’s loving it. I won’t read it out, but he was so positive and supportive,” she said.
The actresses’ boyfriend, actor Andy Sellers, also stars in the series. The pair reportedly met on set, and Mod’s reflections on her romantic and professional life in the industry have provided a candid look at the challenges she faces.
She has been vocal about the double standards that women, especially women of colour, often face in the industry. Her breakout role in One Day led her to experience more scrutiny and criticism compared to her co-star Leo Woodall, a disparity Mod attributes to unconscious biases.
“There’s always been this idea that women of colour have more to prove,” Mod shared. “With Emma, I had a lot more to overcome in terms of people’s perceptions. I’ve garnered more criticism than Leo, and that’s something we need to address as an industry. It’s unconscious bias, and it’s dangerous. There’s a reason people tend to gravitate more towards Dexter, and I think it says a lot about how society views women.”
This unflinching honesty and vulnerability about her journey sets Mod apart as not only a gifted performer but also a voice for change within the industry. Her role in Playdate is an exciting next step in what promises to be a dynamic career.
Before Playdate, Mod had already established herself as a force to be reckoned with in British television. She first made waves in the acclaimed BBC drama This Is Going to Hurt, where her portrayal of Shruti, a trainee doctor under the immense pressure of working in the NHS, earned her rave reviews. Her role in I Hate Suzie, Sky’s gripping exploration of fame and scandal, further showcased her impressive range. As Una Finch, Mod’s performance stood out as both tender and sharp, bringing real depth to the show’s examination of identity and self-worth.
With a string of impressive roles already under her belt, Mod’s upcoming performance in Playdate is one fans won’t want to miss. If her career trajectory so far is any indication, Mod is set to become one of the UK’s most celebrated actors in the years to come. Keep an eye on her—she’s just getting started.
