Netflix Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd: Stop trying to find real-life characters

The Scottish creator behind the hit drama Baby Reindeer has urged fans to stop trying to find out who the real-life characters are.

The Netflix series has been a word-of-mouth success since it was released on the platform earlier this month, skyrocketing to the top of the streaming charts in dozens of countries.

It follows the real-life story of Fife comedian Richard Gadd, who stars in the show under the name Donny, and his experience of being stalked by a woman over the course of three years.

Jessica Gunning plays Martha in Baby Reindeer based on a real person who stalked Richard Gadd. Netflix

The show, based on Gadd’s acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe play, also depicts how he was groomed and raped by a producer in London.

Speculation about who the characters are based on has been rife on social media.

Many fans have been keen to try and find the real-life Martha – the stalker played by Jessica Gunning – as well as the real-life Darrien, the abusive producer played by Tom Goodman-Hill.

Posts, including videos and pictures, of fans claiming to have found the real-life Martha and Darrien have been viewed millions of times across X, formerly Twitter.

Posting on Instagram, Gadd called for the internet sleuths to stop.

He said: “Hi everyone, people I love, have worked with, and admire (including Sean Foley) are unfairly getting caught up in speculation.

“Please don’t speculate on who any of the real-life people could be.

“That’s not the point of our show. Lots of love, Richard.”

Tom Goodman-Hill plays abusive producer Darrien in Baby Reindeer. Netflix

Foley said he had contacted the police after people accused him of being the inspiration behind one of the characters in Baby Reindeer, which he and Gadd have said is not true.

The actor said: “Police have been informed and are investigating all defamatory abusive and threatening posts against me.”