IN CONVERSATION WITH MIRIAM PETCHE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Miriam Petche is fast establishing herself as one of the most compelling new talents in British television. Recently named Vogue US’s Breakout Star for her fearless portrayal of Sweetpea Golightly in HBO and BBC’s ‘Industry’, the Gen Z powerhouse returns for the show’s highly anticipated fourth season in early 2026. She has also been announced as the lead in ITV’s upcoming true crime drama ‘Believe Me’, which follows the women who fought to bring down London’s notorious Black Cab Rapist. From her early work on ‘The Worst Witch’ to her breakout role in ‘Industry’, and now a leading performance in one of ITV’s most significant dramas to date, Miriam is not just one to watch. She represents a generation of actresses unafraid to confront truth, grit, and power on screen.

vest AXEL ARIGATO
leather jacket GANT

‘Industry’ has become a defining show for this generation. What is it like returning as Sweetpea Golightly for season four?

It has been really special. ‘Industry’ is a show that is constantly questioning itself and refusing to stay comfortable. It is not afraid to evolve, whether thematically or structurally, or to widen its lens beyond what it has done before. Mickey Down and Konrad Kay are always pushing to make something that feels truthful, electric, and genuinely entertaining. I felt very lucky to be part of season three and coming back for season four felt like a real privilege. I cannot wait for people to see what we have made.

Vogue US called you the Breakout Star of the last season. How did that recognition feel, and did it change the way you approached your work this time?

It was a huge honour. Any recognition for your work as an actor is incredibly meaningful, and it is hard to put into words when something like that is said about you. But it did not fundamentally change how I approached the work. Coming back for another season, I felt more settled on set, but the process itself stayed the same. I am still focused on learning and on understanding what the material, the writers, and the set need from me. It felt less like a shift and more like a continuation.

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How has Sweetpea evolved from season three to season four, and what can fans expect from her journey?

Sweetpea finishes season three believing she has made the right choices. She has aligned herself with Harper, left Pierpoint at the right moment, and appears to have avoided the worst of the fallout. Season four unsettles that confidence. The things she has always relied on, her capability, her independence, and her sense of control, begin to slip. For someone who has built her identity around being competent, that loss of certainty is deeply unsettling. It forces her to question how much of her value she has tied to her work and who she is when that certainty disappears.

‘Industry’ is known for its raw energy and realism. What do you think sets it apart from other shows about power and ambition?

Power and ambition are themes we have seen many times before and will see many times again. What makes ‘Industry’ different is that it refuses to simplify them. It trusts the audience to sit with contradiction and discomfort rather than guiding them toward easy conclusions. That openness makes the show feel truthful, complex, and often unsettling.

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dress, 16 ARTLINGTON
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shoes, DR MARTENS

You are also leading ITV’s ‘Believe Me’, based on a devastating true story. How did you prepare emotionally for such a sensitive role?

With a huge amount of care and sensitivity. Everyone involved was aware that the story comes from real events and the lived experiences of real women. Preparation involved ongoing conversations with our director, Julia, and the wider team, making sure each moment was approached with respect and thoughtfulness. While filming, it was about staying present and allowing the truth of the story to guide the performance.

The series highlights female resilience and solidarity. Did the experience shift your perspective on storytelling or womanhood?

It deepened my understanding of how important it is to approach stories, particularly those based on real events, with care and integrity. It reinforced the need to listen closely to the voices behind the story and to avoid sensationalising their experiences. It made me even more aware of the responsibility actors and creators carry when bringing real lives to the screen.

jacket and shirt THE FRANKIE
SHOP socks FALKE
shoes JIMMY CHOO

You began acting as a child on ‘The Worst Witch’. How do you feel you have grown as an artist since then?

I have grown enormously, and I am also literally much older. When I was younger, before drama school, I worked almost entirely on instinct. I was not thinking about emotional arcs or wider themes, which is a natural part of learning. Over time, my love for acting and storytelling has deepened. Training has given me more tools, my confidence has grown, and so has my curiosity. Acting is not about finding a final answer. It is an ongoing exploration, just with a few more tools along the way.

You have shown remarkable range early in your career. What kinds of roles excite you most going forward?

That is very kind. I am drawn to characters who are surprising, complex, flawed, and layered. I want roles that challenge me both creatively and personally. Whether it is drama, horror, or comedy, it always comes down to the character and the story. If there is depth and difficulty to explore, I am excited.

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skirt, SHUSHUTONG
boots JIMMY CHOO

How do you take care of yourself while working on emotionally demanding material?

Having a life outside of acting is essential for me. Spending time with my friends, my dogs, my family, and maintaining a world beyond work, is how I stay grounded. The more life I live, the more I feel I can bring back into my work.

Looking ahead, what is next for you, and what kind of impact do you hope your work will have?

I do not have a fixed idea of impact. If the work I do makes someone think, feel, or see something differently, even in a small way, that feels meaningful. I want to continue exploring layered roles, telling honest stories, and learning as I go.

TEAM CREDITS:

photographer DAVID REISS 
styling SARAH HARRISON  
hair SOPHIE SUGARMAN 
makeup BROOKE SIMONS