The woman behind Broadchurch’s rape storyline has spoken out about her attack ordeal and what she thought of the first episode of the ITV drama.
During her interview with lunchtime show This Morning, Juliet also slammed BBC One’s drama Apple Tree Yard for the way it portrayed sexual assault.
She also sent out a strong message to everyone watching to always come forward and report the crime.
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Broadchurch began its third series last night with Trish, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, reporting she’d been raped to the police.
Juliet said everything in the first episode was “accurate” to what actually happened to her once she reported her assault.
Speaking to Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, she explained that watching Broadchurch made her recall the aftermath of her horrific attack.
“It was like stepping back in time, mind-blowingly accurate to the detail, when they were taking evidence,” Juliet said.
She went on to explain that she was shocked by Apple Tree Yard’s first episode, which featured a violent rape at the end of the first episode with no warning or hint.
She said: “The difference between this and Apple Tree Yard was with Apple Tree Yard, I had no idea that rape was going to be the case and it transported me back.
“I kind of wish they had a warning.”
During the interview, Juliet revealed she’d been raped after being slipped a date-rape drug in pub.
She explained: “When it happened, I was processing it really slowly.
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“I couldn’t fathom it, asking, ‘Why is my body hurting where it’s hurting? I’ve got injuries.’
“I called the police, and they were amazing.
“I never said I was raped, they told me I had been.”
Juliet then went on to encourage people to report the crime, adding: “Make the call and it will be investigated.
“It is never your fault. There’s still a social stigma surrounding rape.
“If I was beaten up, stabbed or mugged, why should I be ashamed?”
Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays the victim in the drama, was praised for her performance on the show.
Viewers were quick to talk about the actress saying she gave a “masterclass” in acting.
The former Corrie star said she hopes Broadchurch makes “great strides in raising awareness as well as being a good piece of TV drama”.