Mimi Keene shares 'scary' encounter with Hollywood legend on Agatha Christie drama

Mimi Keene has opened up about feeling "scared" when she encountered a Hollywood legend while filming the new Agatha Christie drama Towards Zero.

The upcoming murder mystery centres on a divorced couple, Nevile and Audrey (portrayed by Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Ella Lily Hyland), who spend their summer at the residence of his aunt Lady Tressilian, played by none other than Anjelica Huston. Mimi steps into the role of Nevile's new wife Kay, joining the ensemble for a holiday fraught with tension.

The plot thickens as the cast expands to include a long-suffering lady's companion, a valet shrouded in mystery, a cousin banished harboring resentment, a respected family solicitor, a curious orphan, and a French swindler, all leading to an inevitable murder, as hinted by the official synopsis.

A detective grappling with personal issues must navigate through a maze of jealousy, deceit, and familial dysfunction to prevent further tragedy. The question remains: can he crack the case before another life is claimed?

Speaking at a press event for the series, Mimi shared her experiences working alongside Anjelica, recounting several "wonderful" interactions, reports the Mirror.

The star of Sex Education recalled how art mirrored reality when she had the opportunity to converse with Anjelica on the set, specifically on her character's bed during breaks.

"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," Mimi revealed.

"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."

Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who portrays Nevile, couldn't help but praise his on-screen aunt, remarking: "[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 added: "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, known for her role as Cindy Williams in EastEnders, also disclosed that the cast enjoyed numerous lunches with Anjelica along the Devonshire coast, where she regaled them with "lots of stories" from her illustrious career. Additionally, it has been confirmed that the star of The Addams Family "loves a natter" and is an avid Coronation Street enthusiast.

The cast of Towards Zero includes Jackie Clune, Grace Doherty, Jack Farthing, Clarke Peters, Matthew Rhys, Anjana Vasan, Khalil Ben Gharbia and Adam Hugill.

The series is the brainchild of BAFTA-nominated writer Rachel Bennette and has been brought to life by Olivier Award-winning director Sam Yates.

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