Joanne Froggatt researched Mel B's turbulent marriage when preparing for her new role.
Joanne Froggatt
The 'Downton Abbey' star will play the title role in 'Angela Black', an upcoming ITV drama series which centres on domestic abuse.
Joanne, 41, read the Spice Girl's book 'Brutally Honest' in which Mel B, 46, alleged that her ex-husband Stephen Belafonte abused her physically, sexually and verbally, took control of her finances and used coercive control to change her personality.
These are allegations which Belafonte has denied.
Joanne said: "I do feel a responsibility. I did a lot of research and Women’s Aid were incredible, supporting us and pointing me in the right direction. I read Melanie B’s book 'Brutally Honest'."
The actress also researched the life of 'Loose Women ' panellist Katie Piper, 37, who famously survived an acid attack orchestrated by an ex-lover.
She added: "They suggested I read a book by Mandy Thomas called 'You Can’t Run'. It is one of the most harrowing accounts of domestic violence and incredibly moving. I read Katie Piper’s book 'Beautiful' about the [acid] attack on her after a short relationship.
"All these women told their story really courageously ... I was blown away by their honesty.”
'Angela Black' also stars Samuel Adewunmi and Michiel Huisman and is set to air in October.
Joanne admitted that roles like Angela Black can be mentally tough and that she couldn't take on many like it in quick succession.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she said: "I am drawn to these characters, they’re incredible stories and they’re incredibly challenging but, as an actor, it is what you do it for. I wouldn’t plan on ever doing an Angela Black type show and then going straight on to do another [similar] character, straight afterwards."
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