There are a few really important moments in episode two that I think say so much about the wider themes of the piece that I’d love to discuss. For example, when they’re in the classroom, only DS Bascombe’s character is introduced. Was your character purposefully overlooked?

I had a moment where I perhaps thought the same, but I don’t think it was intentional. From what I understand, it was because of the stress of the school day and the police being there. And Bascombe is the lead investigator, so he’s the one asking the questions.

There’s also a really poignant moment where DS Frank says: “Kids just need one person – a teacher, a parent, a friend – to tell them that they’re normal and they’re supported.” Tell me about that.

It’s massive because it’s true to me. I had an English teacher called Mr Berry, who made me feel like my pursuit of wanting to do theatre was a valid one in an environment that’s very working class, and being an actor isn’t meant to happen to people like me. If somebody gives you time and encourages you and wants to listen to you about what it is that makes you feel alive, that is so special and really important.

There’s another memorable moment where your character says: “The perpetrator always gets the front line. We’ve followed Jamie’s brain around this case. Katie isn’t important; Jamie is. Everyone will remember Jamie; no one will remember her – that’s what gets to me.” What does that line mean to you?

She feels – and I feel – that that’s a really valid point. It’s always: a man rapes a woman, not a woman was raped by a man. It’s never about the woman having any story. And that was really important to say out loud and to be acknowledged.

Adolescence star Faye Marsay on filming the most important TV show of the decade