Suranne Jones talks 'anxiety' as she dramatically transforms for ITV drama Frauds

Suranne Jones has revealed more about her striking makeover and nerves surrounding her latest ITV series Frauds.

The forthcoming drama features Suranne alongside Jodie Whittaker as a pair of female fraudsters named Bert and Sam, whose destructive yet wickedly amusing bond is reignited to execute an extraordinary robbery.

"Bert and Sam embark on the most audacious of art thefts, gathering a talented team of outcasts to help them plan this audacious crime," the synopsis continues.

"Whilst the team must overcome numerous challenges before they can pull off the heist, it's the power struggle between Bert and Sam that threatens to derail their plans and destroy them both.

"Set against the epic rolling hills of southern Spain and the dark criminal underbelly that casts a shadow over the glistening coast, Frauds is a complex and addictive story of friendship, deception and survival", reports the Liverpool Echo.

Frauds is scheduled to debut this Sunday (October 5) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The six-episode drama will then broadcast on Sunday and Monday evenings across three weeks.

During a press conference for the new programme, Suranne discussed juggling her multiple responsibilities both on screen and behind the scenes. Beyond portraying Bert, the star also co-developed the show with Anne-Marie O'Connor and acts as executive producer.

"Obviously, there's the pre-planning and there's the whiteboard stage, and there's the pouring your heart out and getting all the bits in and then obviously, Anne-Marie goes away and delivers a brilliant script," she explained.

"When I'm in it, it does become a little difficult because you work at night, work at the weekends... I was being pulled off set and working. It is exhausting, but also, look what we created. I'm really proud of it, I can't believe we've done it."

Hinting at a particularly gripping moment between the pair of main characters, Suranne went on: "It has to manifest itself. I felt anxious for the first time watching it... Something has to give with these two and there's a release in one, but then Bert gets worse."

Suranne also disclosed the motivation behind her dramatic makeover into Bert.

Throughout the programme, the 47 year old actress appears completely transformed as she dons a striking blonde bob instead of her signature brunette locks.

Discussing Bert's bold fashion choices, Suranne revealed that she compiled an extensive mood board to assist her in picturing her character's look, including her significant tattoos.

"She wants to project to the world that she's dangerous, she's had this sort of life, but obviously that's just a projection and then the outfits were part of that. It's loud. I'm here, you will look at me. It's all presentation," she said.

"The blonde came because when Jodie said yes, she said she wasn't going to dye her hair. So, I assumed she'd be blonde and I was going to have like un undercut. And then I was like, 'It's okay. She can stay dark, I'll go blonde.'"

"And everyone went, 'What?! You're gonna look so different!' And we were like, 'Exactly, that's going to work.'"

Executive Producer for Monumental Television Alison Owen added: "Suranne was fierce about the whole look. I mean, every day, weren't you going through it so minutely. It was a real education for me in seeing someone create a character through your make-up, your hair, your costume, such precision."

Suranne concluded: "I just knew her. We talked a lot and I just knew that's what we wanted."

Frauds premieres Sunday 5th October at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX