Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Telly addicts

Related: Film discussion forum.

Original poster

UNTIL I KILL YOU. sun to wed ITV 9pm - TV PACE. NO SPOILERS

264 replies

Blondeshavemorefun · 28/10/2024 20:47

Until I Kill You sees two of TV's favourite actors come together to portray real life victim and abuser Delia Balmer and John Sweeney in the cast of the ITV drama.

Agency nurse Delia Balmer meets John Sweeney who confesses to killing his ex-girlfriend and attacks her before evading capture;

Balmer rebuilds her life to confront Sweeney seven years later, after he was arrested for another murder.

Ludwig (tvg-frontend-cem4ngzag-digitalbox.vercel.app/streaming-guide/ludwig-series-2-return-series-1-ending-explained-bbc-one-iplayer) star Anna Maxwell portrays Delia, who survived a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney, played by Shaun Evans.

The new four-part drama airs from Sunday, November 03, to Wednesday, November 06, 2024 at 9pm.

It's followed by the companion documentary Until I Kill You: The Real Story on Thursday, November 07, 2024 at 9pm.

So who is in the cast of Until I Kill You on ITV? Who plays who in the ITV crime drama? Here's everything you need to know...

Actress Anna Maxwell Martin as Delia Balmer in the cast of Until I Kill You (Credit: ITV)
Who plays Delia Balmer in the cast of Until I Kill You?
BAFTA-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin, 47, portrays real life victim Delia Balmer in the cast of Until I Kill You on ITV.

Of course, Anna is a hugely popular TV actress - and with good reason. She is much loved for her role in Motherland, playing the perpetually harassed mother of two Julia.

Actor Shaun Evans plays John Sweeney in the cast of Until I Kill You.

Like co-star Anna, Shaun is a well known to TV audiences.

The 44-year-old came to fame playing John Paul Keating in the Channel 4 comedy Teachers, opposite Andrew Lincoln and Navin Chowdhry.
Liverpool-born Shaun then went on to appear in Whitechapel, and Silk, before appearing as Glover in series one of Vigil in 2021.

Kevin Doyle portrays David
Downton Abbey actor Kevin Doyle, 64, stars as David, who provides support for Delia throughout the court case against John.

Lincolnshire-born Kevin has been on our TV screens for four decades, and he's been on some of the best TV shows - including The Lakes, Downton Abbey, and Sherwood.

More recently, he's played Fred Rowley in Sherwood (tvg-frontend-cem4ngzag-digitalbox.vercel.app/streaming-guide/sherwood-series-2-ending-explained-recap-ann-branson-fate-tense-finale-episode-six), and Ronnie Browne in Vera.

Actor Steve Edge, 51, plays DS Collins in the cast of Until I Kill You on ITV.

Steve is perhaps most famous for his roles in Benidorm, Scarborough and Phoenix Nights.
He's also well liked as Dom Hayes in The Madame Blanc Mysteries, a role he's played ever since 2021.

Who else appears in the cast of Until I Kill You on ITV?

Matthew Aubrey stars as DC Flynn. The Welsh actor is known for playing Private Davies in Privates, Aled Williams in The Indian Doctor, and Mike Taylor in Keeping Faith.

Finding Alice's Amanda Wilkin plays Leah. She's also starred as Jo in Spent, and Suzie in Am I Being Unreasonable?

Dutch actress Sallie Harmsen stars as Astrid De Vries. She's best known for her roles in Sphinx, Legacy, and Van der Valk.

Lucy Thackeray as WPC Jane Barker. She's played Prue Stanton in Call the Midwife, and Linda in Black Ops.

Laura Morgan as DC Christine Webb. She's famous for playing Soldier in Culprits, Becky in Clink, and Maggie Cotton in Dark Angel.

Stephanie Street - aka Nadia in 20 Things to Do Before You're 30 - stars as Janice Rainsworth.
Spooks' Geoffrey Streatfeild plays DI Steve Smith.

Until I Kill You airs from Sunday, November 03, 2024 on ITV1 and ITVX.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
SabreIsMyFave · 07/11/2024 22:35

Lalgarh · 07/11/2024 22:25

It's quite startling how much his 1st girlfriend and known victim looked like Taylor Swift. Definite modus operandi that he was zeroing in on travellers far from home. No support networks or family nearby.

I thought that too! Thought it was just me! Melissa Halstead was a lovely looking young woman! (So is Taylor!)

UNTIL I KILL YOU. sun to wed ITV 9pm - TV PACE. NO SPOILERS
UNTIL I KILL YOU. sun to wed ITV 9pm - TV PACE. NO SPOILERS
Oreyt · 07/11/2024 23:32

lazymum99 · 04/11/2024 21:20

Just watched the channel 5 documentary and the actor has her accent spot on

The actor 😂😂

EachandEveryone · 07/11/2024 23:33

Did she get any financial. Compensation from the police I wonder? I thought it was really enthralling and fantastically acted. None of my friends could stick with it though.

Original poster
Blondeshavemorefun · 08/11/2024 00:03

Melissa had a family who missed her so surprised he chose her to kill

Documentary was good if that's the right word

And again like a lot of these dramas on real life

I had never heard of her or him till this was shown

OP posts:
MrsLargeEmbodied · 08/11/2024 05:38

that was such a good programme,
so well done by AMM and SE as well, and the actor who played David.

Janeaustenrocks · 08/11/2024 06:51

What's the channel 5 documentary called?

Pigeonqueen · 08/11/2024 07:22

Janeaustenrocks · 08/11/2024 06:51

What's the channel 5 documentary called?

Unless I’m mistaken it’s the one that was on ITV last night. It’s on ITVX player or whatever it is.

Original poster
Blondeshavemorefun · 08/11/2024 08:14

It's on ITVX. In bed at no so can't check sky box

OP posts:
MonkeyTennis34 · 08/11/2024 08:38

Wow!
Until I Kill You is excellent...fantastic acting from the two leads.

I love Celia's abrupt, unapologetic character but still she remained with him for a while..realistic portrayal of DV behaviours.

I too as never heard of this case IRL.
Will definitely be watching the documentary.

anonsurvivor · 08/11/2024 09:01

TheFifthTellytubby · 07/11/2024 15:22

There's one thing I still don't understand - maybe someone knows the answer? Towards the end of episode 2, the female Dutch detective is talking on the phone to a forensic lab about a report indicating that there is no match between a DNA sample provided by Melissa's family and the body in the suitcase. The detective is convinced the report is wrong, but the lab is adamant that the result is correct. However, it turns out that Melissa's body was identified years later by cross-checking against family DNA - so what was that earlier scene all about? There was never any explanation as to why the DNA didn't match up the first time. Confused.

The body in the sutcase was in the canal in Amsterdam. Melissa was in a holdall in the canal in Rotterdam. He killed Melissa in Amsterdam but disposed of her body in Rotterdam. It was explained a couple of times. It is thought he killed many more women.

Original poster
Blondeshavemorefun · 08/11/2024 09:11

Basically wrong body wrong canal

OP posts:
CreationNat1on · 08/11/2024 10:51

I thought it captured how normalised everyday mysogyny was (and still is).

Delia may have been ND, but she also had grounds for anger, before she ever experienced physical violence. She was put into the caring role of her elderly grandparents, which brought her to the UK. Her "carer" role meant other family members came first and her life was secondary to being a support provider for the family. When the grandparents died, she had no network. It made her vulnerable to loneliness, John Sweeney s nomadic existence wasn't strange to her. His gruffness was excusable/bearable as she was familiar with being a secondary support person rather than valued person worthy of love in her own right. They were two outsiders, even his embarrassing and disgusting public urinating was overlooked because he told her to put herself first (and stop caring about what other people think).

The awkward Christmas Day meal scene portrayed a deeply toxic family dynamic: shutting Delia down, the silent, obedient mother so grateful for the tin of biscuits, the inability of the family to engage in polite and light conversation. Followed by the miserable trip to the pub, where Delia s dancing/movement had to be shut down and controlled. She had to be the silent, obedient female statue, seen and not heard, no theatrics allowed.

John Sweeney lived in her home, but did not communicate his travel plans, disrespecting her time and life. Delia, the co-dependent enabler, providing the home, looking after his unpleasant pets. There were so many instances of treating women as second class citizens, unworthy of consultation, while he freeloaded off the security she provided.

The audacity and incompetence of the male dominated police and judiciary. The attempts to degrade the victim, or to describe her as "mad" or a willing participant in his depraved actions.

I m angered by the suggestion the only way she could avoid giving in-person evidence at the second trial, was if the psychiatrist diagnosed her as incapable due to mental illness, rather than it being in her best interest to protect her from further trauma and stress. Where was the offer of counselling after the first trial. A letter of thanks, but no consideration for the impact on her health.

This TV series triggered analysis of the patriarchy and mysogyny of everyday life and also in extreme events. Female (single) self preservation faces so many hurdles that most people either don't see or take for granted. No wonder Delia found it hard to manage her anger and accept love. Society treats single women like crap (mad cat ladies, we are still doing it).

A poignant part was her sadness when the patient she gave the head massage to, was discharged. She could let down her barriers and touch and engage with and have fun with another person in a safe and familiar environment, but that too was fleeting.

Overall I found the mini series very engaging, it triggered anger against the patriarchy (fir me, what's new!). Delia wasn't the perfect victim, she was a gruff, angry, slightly odd, impatient person, but of course women who are all of those things, are equally as entitled to their safe existence as anyone else.

I found it thought provoking.

starrywalls · 08/11/2024 12:14

CreationNat1on · 08/11/2024 10:51

I thought it captured how normalised everyday mysogyny was (and still is).

Delia may have been ND, but she also had grounds for anger, before she ever experienced physical violence. She was put into the caring role of her elderly grandparents, which brought her to the UK. Her "carer" role meant other family members came first and her life was secondary to being a support provider for the family. When the grandparents died, she had no network. It made her vulnerable to loneliness, John Sweeney s nomadic existence wasn't strange to her. His gruffness was excusable/bearable as she was familiar with being a secondary support person rather than valued person worthy of love in her own right. They were two outsiders, even his embarrassing and disgusting public urinating was overlooked because he told her to put herself first (and stop caring about what other people think).

The awkward Christmas Day meal scene portrayed a deeply toxic family dynamic: shutting Delia down, the silent, obedient mother so grateful for the tin of biscuits, the inability of the family to engage in polite and light conversation. Followed by the miserable trip to the pub, where Delia s dancing/movement had to be shut down and controlled. She had to be the silent, obedient female statue, seen and not heard, no theatrics allowed.

John Sweeney lived in her home, but did not communicate his travel plans, disrespecting her time and life. Delia, the co-dependent enabler, providing the home, looking after his unpleasant pets. There were so many instances of treating women as second class citizens, unworthy of consultation, while he freeloaded off the security she provided.

The audacity and incompetence of the male dominated police and judiciary. The attempts to degrade the victim, or to describe her as "mad" or a willing participant in his depraved actions.

I m angered by the suggestion the only way she could avoid giving in-person evidence at the second trial, was if the psychiatrist diagnosed her as incapable due to mental illness, rather than it being in her best interest to protect her from further trauma and stress. Where was the offer of counselling after the first trial. A letter of thanks, but no consideration for the impact on her health.

This TV series triggered analysis of the patriarchy and mysogyny of everyday life and also in extreme events. Female (single) self preservation faces so many hurdles that most people either don't see or take for granted. No wonder Delia found it hard to manage her anger and accept love. Society treats single women like crap (mad cat ladies, we are still doing it).

A poignant part was her sadness when the patient she gave the head massage to, was discharged. She could let down her barriers and touch and engage with and have fun with another person in a safe and familiar environment, but that too was fleeting.

Overall I found the mini series very engaging, it triggered anger against the patriarchy (fir me, what's new!). Delia wasn't the perfect victim, she was a gruff, angry, slightly odd, impatient person, but of course women who are all of those things, are equally as entitled to their safe existence as anyone else.

I found it thought provoking.

This is a fantastic and interesting analysis. It sums up my view far more eloquently than I could.
In my field of work, awful things happen to unpleasant people as well as 'worthy' victims. The less than perfect victim ie often the reasons they were vulnerable to assault in the first place, means so many of the people I support don't get access to justice at all and the few that get to court aren't viewed positively by jurors.

Treefy · 08/11/2024 12:17

RaraRachael · 07/11/2024 13:51

We endured the first episode and about 10 minutes of the second before we agreed we'd had enough. It was just SO dull and boring. Slow dialogue and action and the dreary flat that never seemed to see the light of day. I don't know if it was the writing, directing or producing that was at fault but I thought it was awful.

Please understand that this is a true representation of the horrific experience of a brave and courageous woman. It is exposing how little protection the criminal justice system gives women and should be respected as such.

RaraRachael · 08/11/2024 17:32

@Treefy I'm not disputing that. As a TV production it didn't engage me.

MrsLargeEmbodied · 08/11/2024 17:40

@CreationNat1on
very well said

JenniferBooth · 08/11/2024 19:26

theukpopulationis68million · 07/11/2024 13:15

She's completely likeable to me.

Show quote history

And to me. As far as im concerned its perfectly acceptable to stand up for yourself when the police insist suggest you should move to a hostel in Kings Cross for your own safety As Delia pointed out it was full of druggies and criminals. Safety my arse!!! I think the reason Delia isnt seen as likeable by some is because she stands up for herself and others are pissed off cos either they cant do the same or they think she should know her place!!!

JenniferBooth · 08/11/2024 19:28

RaraRachael · 07/11/2024 13:51

We endured the first episode and about 10 minutes of the second before we agreed we'd had enough. It was just SO dull and boring. Slow dialogue and action and the dreary flat that never seemed to see the light of day. I don't know if it was the writing, directing or producing that was at fault but I thought it was awful.

Not related to Sweeney are you?

JenniferBooth · 08/11/2024 19:38

CreationNat1on · 08/11/2024 10:51

I thought it captured how normalised everyday mysogyny was (and still is).

Delia may have been ND, but she also had grounds for anger, before she ever experienced physical violence. She was put into the caring role of her elderly grandparents, which brought her to the UK. Her "carer" role meant other family members came first and her life was secondary to being a support provider for the family. When the grandparents died, she had no network. It made her vulnerable to loneliness, John Sweeney s nomadic existence wasn't strange to her. His gruffness was excusable/bearable as she was familiar with being a secondary support person rather than valued person worthy of love in her own right. They were two outsiders, even his embarrassing and disgusting public urinating was overlooked because he told her to put herself first (and stop caring about what other people think).

The awkward Christmas Day meal scene portrayed a deeply toxic family dynamic: shutting Delia down, the silent, obedient mother so grateful for the tin of biscuits, the inability of the family to engage in polite and light conversation. Followed by the miserable trip to the pub, where Delia s dancing/movement had to be shut down and controlled. She had to be the silent, obedient female statue, seen and not heard, no theatrics allowed.

John Sweeney lived in her home, but did not communicate his travel plans, disrespecting her time and life. Delia, the co-dependent enabler, providing the home, looking after his unpleasant pets. There were so many instances of treating women as second class citizens, unworthy of consultation, while he freeloaded off the security she provided.

The audacity and incompetence of the male dominated police and judiciary. The attempts to degrade the victim, or to describe her as "mad" or a willing participant in his depraved actions.

I m angered by the suggestion the only way she could avoid giving in-person evidence at the second trial, was if the psychiatrist diagnosed her as incapable due to mental illness, rather than it being in her best interest to protect her from further trauma and stress. Where was the offer of counselling after the first trial. A letter of thanks, but no consideration for the impact on her health.

This TV series triggered analysis of the patriarchy and mysogyny of everyday life and also in extreme events. Female (single) self preservation faces so many hurdles that most people either don't see or take for granted. No wonder Delia found it hard to manage her anger and accept love. Society treats single women like crap (mad cat ladies, we are still doing it).

A poignant part was her sadness when the patient she gave the head massage to, was discharged. She could let down her barriers and touch and engage with and have fun with another person in a safe and familiar environment, but that too was fleeting.

Overall I found the mini series very engaging, it triggered anger against the patriarchy (fir me, what's new!). Delia wasn't the perfect victim, she was a gruff, angry, slightly odd, impatient person, but of course women who are all of those things, are equally as entitled to their safe existence as anyone else.

I found it thought provoking.

THIS!

RaraRachael · 08/11/2024 19:43

@JenniferBooth what a ridiculous comment. People are allowed to have differing views 🙄

Oreyt · 09/11/2024 00:28

Catsanfan · 04/11/2024 20:05

Her accent is driving me bananas to be honest, she sounds Irish a lot of the time, which is somewhere she never lived

Yes I picked up Irish more than any other. Strange!!

anonsurvivor · 09/11/2024 09:28

Oreyt · 09/11/2024 00:28

Yes I picked up Irish more than any other. Strange!!

Show quote history

Have you never listened to Lyse Doucet? When I watched the documentary on Thursday and heard the real Delia, I thought AMM had got the accent very well. Especially as Delia had moved around quite a bit, she had picked up a few differences.

Oblomov24 · 09/11/2024 10:29

Only watched episode 1 so far. It's hard watching because from second 1 you can feel impending doom. Good so far.

Oblomov24 · 09/11/2024 10:34

Thanks @Blondeshavemorefun
I knew I could rely on you, as ever. ❤️
Blondes always runs threads for all decent tv stuff.

SabreIsMyFave · 09/11/2024 10:45

@RaraRachael · 07/11/2024 13:51

We endured the first episode and about 10 minutes of the second before we agreed we'd had enough. It was just SO dull and boring. Slow dialogue and action and the dreary flat that never seemed to see the light of day. I don't know if it was the writing, directing or producing that was at fault but I thought it was awful.

PLEASE give it another go. It's really very good!