An Aberystwyth actress who has been starring in a new daytime cop drama has spoken of her role and filming on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Elen Rhys, originally from Blaenplwyf, plays Detective Miranda Blake in the 10-part drama, The Mallorca Files, which is filmed on location and has already been commissioned for a second series.

Set amongst the vibrant international community of the eponymous Spanish island, The Mallorca Files centres around Det Blake, an introvert who is used to living by the rules, and her German counterpart Max Winter (Julian Looman), whose approach to policing is based on gut instinct, with little interest in process.

Their dynamic – sometimes in sync, but mostly not – sets the rich humour and playful tone of the series.

The Mallorca Files plays out against the backdrop of sun-drenched locations and glamorous lifestyle of the Balearic island.

Former Ysgol Penweddig pupil Elen has carved out a successful acting career over the years, with roles such as Petra Brattle in Fox’s The Bastard Executioner and Caz in the BBC’s Ordinary Lies.

Other TV credits include Keeping Faith, Broadchurch, Atlantis and Silent Witness. Her film credits include Panic Button, Crow, The Rezort, World War Z and last year’s Netflix hit, Apostle.

What appealed to you about The Mallorca Files?

Its great writing. [Creator] Dan Sefton’s scripts have everything. They interweave drama, comedy and action. They tick all the boxes. They have got it all. It’s such an exciting project. I’m delighted to be part of it.

Were you also drawn to the character of Miranda?

Definitely. She is so complex and has so many quirks. She’s obsessed with work, and her fight for justice annoys her bosses. She can’t let things lie. I could identify with her at once. I knew immediately I could play her.

Tell us about getting the role

It was not great timing. I was heavily pregnant with my son when I self-taped my audition for Miranda. It hasn’t been easy juggling those two aspects over the past seven months, but I’m very lucky being on a set like this. The production have been lovely to me. They are so supportive.

Are there any similarities between you and Miranda?

I’ve been playing her for 12 hours a day for the past seven months, so the lines can become blurred!

We’re both very passionate and driven. I also like to think that, like Miranda, I have a good moral compass – although some people might say something different!

We both look for the best in others. Also, she really cares about injustice, and that echoes my personality.

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