Will left 'fuming' after playing Post Office scandal victim who lost everything

04 January 2024 , 23:42

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Will and Amy as Lee and Lisa

Actor Will Mellor says he was “fuming” after playing Post Office scandal victim Lee Castleton.

The 47-year-old asked how those responsible can live with themselves, adding it was “vile” that ex- Post Office boss Paula Vennells got a CBE.

The star of Mr Bates vs The Post Office said: “Even when I thought I knew what this was about, I still didn’t until we started shooting. I was angry, I was fuming. I was like, ‘How can they sleep at night, knowing they’re doing this to people – and they’re innocent?’ Lee thought, ‘Oh, I’ll just tell the truth in court,’ and ended up having more debt. All I can say is, to anybody watching, you’ll have to keep reminding yourself it is a true story. It’s that shocking.”

Lee’s wife Lisa, played by Amy Nuttall, had seizures caused by stress and they had to move their two children to a new school. Will said: “His kids were being spat at, with people saying, ‘Your Dad’s a thief’.”

The series, in which Toby Jones plays Horizon campaigner Alan Bates, concluded last night. Lee did not speak to Will before filming but they met at a Bafta screening for the drama in November. Will said: “We both got really choked up as I knew what he’d been through and he knew I knew what he’d been through. And we had a long hug and I was like, ‘I’m so glad I’ve met you and I hope I’ve done you justice’.”

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Will with the cast of hit ITV drama

Now, the star wants action for all those still waiting for compensation. He said: “You can’t just lie to people and to the courts. There’s some sort of criminal element there. I hope people are brought to account. I think it’s important for people to know because it is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history.

“Let’s get behind these people. Let’s give these people justice. Let’s give them a bigger voice and hold people accountable for what happened to them.”

Nicola Methven