Saskia Reeves Performs Her Own Stunts as Catherine Standish in ‘Slow Horses’

Avatar photoValentina Kraljik
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Apple TV+’s ‘Slow Horses‘ has earned acclaim for its ensemble of misfits and washouts, yet it’s the veteran actresses who have emerged as some of the show’s most captivating figures. While Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb steals scenes, the depth of the MI5 rejects surrounding him becomes more apparent the longer you engage with their stories.

Saskia Reeves has dedicated her time on the show to developing a slow-burn character as Catherine Standish, a recovering alcoholic personal assistant who keeps Slough House running despite her constant temptation to leave. Initially portrayed as a reserved background character, Catherine has transformed into a formidable presence, showcasing her composure as a former spy in pivotal moments.

This character evolution has sparked discussions as the new season approaches. In a recent interview, Reeves revealed that she performs her own stunts for the increasingly demanding physical scenes, highlighting how far her character has come from her earlier, more reserved appearances.

Reeves’ physical transformation aligns with the creative team’s vision for Catherine’s growth. Director James Hawes has noted the character’s journey from a quiet, conservative woman to someone who confidently handles firearms, crediting Reeves’ research with a former MI6 officer for grounding these moments in authentic tradecraft rather than typical action-movie clichés.

Reeves isn’t alone in discussing the realities of aging on screen. Co-star Kristin Scott Thomas, who portrays MI5 power player Diana Taverner, has openly addressed the challenges of playing women negotiating their power while confronting ageism. She has emphasized the societal resistance to the idea of older women maintaining their sharpness, contrasting it with how men are often viewed as gaining authority with age.

Screenshot 2026 06 11 at 16 41 20 Slow Horses Rotten Tomatoes

This thematic exploration resonates throughout the portrayal of older female characters in the series, providing both Reeves and Scott Thomas with material that challenges the typical representation of women over fifty in media. As a show centered on washed-up operatives proving their worth, this narrative naturally extends to the cast’s real-world reflections on aging in the industry.

‘Slow Horses’ has adapted five of Mick Herron’s Slough House novels over its first five seasons, with the sixth season, based on the novel “Joe Country,” set to premiere on September 16. A seventh season adapting “Bad Actors” has already been confirmed, ensuring that Catherine’s journey—and the physical challenges that come with it—has plenty of room to grow.

Given how much further Reeves has developed the character since her initial appearances, there’s every reason to anticipate Catherine’s more capable, battle-hardened side to continue evolving as the show enters its sixth season. Whether this will result in more stunt work for Reeves is yet to be determined, but her commitment to performing these scenes has undoubtedly contributed to Catherine Standish’s resonance with viewers.

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