The Walsh Sisters delivers a fresh BBC drama centered on five diverse Irish sisters, adapting five Marian Keyes novels into six concise episodes. Stefanie Preissner serves as head writer and stars as the eldest sister, Maggie, who navigates marriage and fertility struggles.
Challenges of Writing and Starring
Preissner, 38, reveals moments of regret over her dual role, especially during the show’s intimate sex scene. Positioned on her back atop an office table with a stranger simulating the act using a yoga ball between her legs, she questioned her script choice. “Why did I write this?” she reflected, adding it suited another actor better.
The crew rehearsed the Dublin-shot scene that morning. Maggie visits her husband’s office for conception efforts, choosing a subtler version over a comedic one with legs over shoulders. Preissner shared an unexpected hurdle: her period arrived during the four-hour wait in her trailer, forcing adjustments to avoid implied nudity due to wardrobe limitations. “It’s never glam, and getting through it is the most you could ask for,” she stated.
The production team excelled, with intimacy coordinator Ciara Duffy choreographing the sequence like dance moves. Directors urged a “more breathless” performance.
Cast Dynamics and Family Themes
Preissner compared adapting the novels to solving a Rubik’s Cube, centering the narrative on sisters Anna (Louisa Harland, known from Derry Girls) and Rachel (Caroline Menton). Anna endures a profound loss as Rachel enters rehab, researched on-site by Menton. Rachel rooms with It Girl Debbie Mazar there.
The sisters grapple with familial bonds: “No one can hurt you like your family, but also no one can heal you like your family,” Danielle Galligan summarized.
On-Set Chemistry
The cast formed an instant bond, mirroring the Walsh family dinners. In rehearsals, their lively chatter impressed director Ian FitzGibbon, who captured authentic overlaps on day one. A WhatsApp group keeps them connected.
Marian Keyes generously advised on characters during rehearsals, earning praise as “the source of the Nile.” Preissner, available on set for queries, admitted occasional overreach: “Sometimes parts of me would spill over… I did it imperfectly with grace.” She pledges no more Maggie sex scenes in a potential second season.
All episodes stream on BBC iPlayer, with the premiere airing on BBC One at 9:15pm.
