Ella Purnell has been shining brightly in recent years. From her fantastic role as mean-girl Jackie Taylor in Showtime’s survival thriller Yellowjackets to her praised voice performance in Netflix’s Arcane, Purnell has shown incredible talent.
She also starred in Prime Video’s Fallout, holding her own against Walton Goggins’ Ghoul. It’s clear that Purnell has no intention of slowing down, and audiences are loving every moment of it.
Her latest project, Sweetpea, is set to air on Starz. The show, adapted by Kirstie Swain from the popular book series, allows Purnell to find a new kind of character. She plays Rhiannon Lewis, a shy and overlooked woman who unexpectedly finds herself taking control of her life, even if it involves committing a few murders along the way.
Rhiannon Lewis, played by Purnell, lives a quiet and overlooked life. She is constantly ignored by those around her, from her co-workers to the cashier at the grocery store. Strangers on the street don’t seem to notice her either, often bumping into her without even an apology. This has been the story of her life since high school, where she was cruelly bullied by a group of girls.
The bullying was so severe that Rhiannon pulled out most of her hair. Although her hair eventually grew back, the emotional damage remained. She never fully recovered her confidence and now lives a mundane life, taking care of her sick father and working a thankless job at the front desk of a local newspaper. However, Rhiannon often fantasizes about getting revenge, keeping a mental list of people she would love to kill.
At first, these thoughts seem harmless. Many people have dark thoughts during difficult times but don’t act on them. But for Rhiannon, a series of unfortunate events begins to push her toward actual violence. It all starts with the death of her father, which sends her into a spiral.
Things only get worse when Julia Blenkinsopp, Rhiannon’s biggest enemy from high school, re-enters her life at the worst possible moment. This combination of events causes Rhiannon to snap, leading her to make some shocking decisions.
Still from the movie (Starz)
Rhiannon is stretched to her emotional and mental limits. After a night out, she lashes out in a fit of rage, attacking an unsuspecting stranger. The violence changes her in ways she never expected. This act of bloodshed becomes a turning point in Rhiannon’s life. It gives her a newfound sense of confidence and power. At work, she starts standing up for herself.
She even demands and secures a promotion from her boss, played by Jeremy Swift, moving up from front-desk duties to a junior reporter position. She no longer lets people walk all over her. On public transportation, for example, she makes sure manspreaders are uncomfortable, something she never would have done before.
This new attitude is directly tied to her violent outburst. Although the murder was impulsive, it gives her the courage to make changes in her life that were long overdue. Rhiannon starts thriving in her new reality, but it comes with a price. For the first time in a long while, people begin to notice her, which isn’t necessarily a good thing for someone with something to hide.
As a police detective, played by Leah Harvey, begins investigating the murder, Rhiannon realizes she needs to stay ahead of the game. The more confident and successful she becomes, the more danger she faces.
In Sweetpea, Purnell’s character is often overlooked by those around her, but viewers get an intimate look at her thoughts and emotions. Through Rhiannon’s voiceover narration, audiences gain insight into how she processes her experiences and why she feels invisible. The bullying she endured as a teenager has left deep emotional scars, and she has learned to shrink herself to avoid more pain. Her inner light, once bright, has dimmed due to years of mistreatment.
Purnell plays this complexity beautifully. At the beginning of the series, Rhiannon is quiet and submissive, avoiding conflict at all costs. But once she unleashes her anger, her transformation is remarkable. She blossoms into a more confident version of herself, unapologetic in her pursuit of what she wants.
Whether she is demanding a promotion or hooking up with a romantic interest she was too shy to approach before, Rhiannon’s change is evident. In one memorable scene, after surprising her new love interest at work, she grabs his face and makes sure he looks at her during their intimate encounter. It’s a powerful moment that shows how far she has come in asserting herself.
Purnell’s portrayal of Rhiannon is multi-layered, and she takes advantage of every opportunity to showcase the character’s range. Rhiannon’s emotions swing from calm and composed to wild and furious, often within the same scene. This emotional depth makes her character one of the most compelling parts of the show.
Still from the movie (Starz)
However, not all aspects of Sweetpea are as strong as Purnell’s performance. The supporting cast, while entertaining, sometimes feels underdeveloped. Jeremy Swift’s portrayal of Rhiannon’s boss is amusing, but it doesn’t stray far from the type of character he played in Ted Lasso.
In Sweetpea, Swift plays an oblivious and mildly sexist boss who refers to Rhiannon by a diminutive nickname, echoing the title of the series. Although Swift’s performance is solid, it doesn’t offer anything new.
Bridgerton’s Calam Lynch plays AJ, Rhiannon’s new co-worker, and potential romantic interest. Lynch brings a sweet and sheepish quality to the role, making it easy for viewers to root for their budding relationship. However, this subplot doesn’t feel as fleshed out as it could be.
On the other hand, Nicôle Lecky, who plays Julia Blenkinsopp, Rhiannon’s high school bully, adds more depth to the series. When Rhiannon and Julia are forced to interact again, the tension between them is palpable. Their shared history forces Rhiannon to confront the unresolved pain from her past, which complicates her journey toward self-empowerment.
The show also introduces Leah Harvey’s detective character, who is investigating the murders Rhiannon is involved in. Midway through the season, the show shifts focus to the detective’s perspective, suggesting that Rhiannon and the detective have more in common than it initially seems. While this shift in viewpoint adds a new layer to the story, some viewers might find themselves longing for the series to return to Rhiannon’s narrative, as Purnell’s performance is the standout.
As the show progresses, the outcome of Rhiannon’s story remains uncertain. Sweetpea leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, with Rhiannon’s fate hanging in the balance. The twist is both shocking and sets the stage for a dramatic and likely bloody finale.
While many shows in this genre struggle to maintain momentum, Sweetpea manages to keep audiences hooked, thanks in large part to Purnell’s magnetic performance.
Even with its minor flaws, Sweetpea proves to be an addictive watch. The series blends dark humor, psychological drama, and elements of a crime thriller into a unique and engaging package. Purnell’s ability to portray a complex character like Rhiannon makes this series worth watching, and fans will likely be eager to see where her character’s journey leads next.
The show is a testament to Ella Purnell’s incredible range as an actress. Whether she is portraying a meek and timid wallflower or a woman on a violent quest for self-empowerment, Purnell delivers a performance that will leave a lasting impression. Sweetpea may not be perfect, but it succeeds in keeping viewers entertained and intrigued, with plenty of surprises along the way.
One of the most memorable and heartwarming relationships in The Circle Season 7 was between Darian and Jadejha. From the very beginning of the season, it was clear that these two shared a special connection that captured the attention and admiration of fans.
Their bond was evident through their mutual support, loyalty, and constant flirtation. As the show progressed, their chemistry only deepened, making them stand out not just as individual players but as a duo with undeniable chemistry.
When Darian left the Circle Villa, his emotional goodbye to Jadejha, complete with a kiss, left fans buzzing with excitement and speculation. The big question on everyone’s mind became: Are Darian and Jadejha dating now that The Circle is over? Their on-screen connection had many hoping that their relationship would continue beyond the show.
From the moment Jadejha walked into The Circle chat, Darian was clearly drawn to her. He even referred to her as his #circleboo, a playful nickname that quickly caught on with fans. Their interactions, both public and private, were filled with flirtatious banter and moments of genuine connection.
In the second episode, viewers got a look of their blossoming relationship when the two were seen flirting in their Private Circle chat. Jadejha, with her charming and playful nature, joked about convincing Darian to marry her. Though it was all in good fun, fans couldn’t help but notice the genuine chemistry between the two.
As the episodes unfolded, it became increasingly obvious that their personalities complemented each other perfectly. Darian and Jadejha often blushed when talking to one another, and their mutual attraction was clear to anyone watching. Despite the competitive nature of The Circle, the two consistently found ways to support each other, making their relationship one of the most entertaining and endearing elements of the show.
Still from the show (Netflix)
In episode 4, Jadejha made a bold declaration in a private chat with Darian, expressing her desire for both of them to come out on top in the competition. She said, “Looks like I picked the right person to be my king. In the midst of all the drama, I still want me and you on the throne in the end.”
This heartfelt confession highlighted just how close the two had grown and how much they were rooting for each other. It wasn’t just about winning the game for them; it was about supporting each other through thick and thin.
Their connection wasn’t limited to light-hearted banter. Over the course of the season, Darian and Jadejha shared deeper conversations, discussing various aspects of their lives both inside and outside the The Circle. These discussions allowed them to bond on a more personal level, and it became clear that their relationship was built on more than just physical attraction.
In episode 9, Darian faced a significant setback when he was blocked by his strongest ally, Kevin. This betrayal could have been a crushing blow for Darian, but instead of dwelling on the negative, he made the choice to meet Jadejha before leaving the villa.
Rather than confronting Kevin, who had turned against him, Darian chose to spend his final moments with Jadejha, whom he affectionately referred to as his #Circlewife. This decision was a powerful testament to the strength of their relationship and their deep bond.
When Darian and Jadejha finally met face-to-face, the moment was filled with excitement and emotion. Darian, clearly thrilled to see Jadejha in person, said, “I’ve been dying to put my eyes on you.” This candid expression of affection melted the hearts of fans and solidified their status as one of the most beloved couples from the season. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and their playful, flirtatious dynamic remained just as strong in person as it had been online.
Darian even joked about moving to Houston to be closer to Jadejha, playfully suggesting that they should get married. Though the comment was made in a light-hearted manner, it hinted at the possibility that their relationship could continue to grow after the show.
The encounter ended with a sweet kiss, further strengthening the bond between them. Both Darian and Jadejha kept Polaroid photos from that moment as keepsakes, symbolizing the special connection they shared.
While fans were sad to see Darian leave the show, many were left wondering what the future held for the couple. Would their relationship survive outside the controlled environment of The Circle? Or would it fizzle out once the cameras stopped rolling? These were the questions on everyone’s mind as the season came to a close.
After the show ended, speculation about Darian and Jadejha’s relationship only intensified. Fans eagerly followed their social media accounts, searching for any signs that the couple was still together. Though Jadejha had not made any direct statements confirming their relationship, the two continued to interact playfully on platforms like Instagram, dropping hints that their bond was still strong.
On September 14th, Darian posted a video on Instagram showing the two of them at a club, with Jadejha excitedly reacting to seeing Darian. This video further fueled rumors that the couple was still going strong.
Still from the episode (Netflix)
In an interview with Parade, Darian finally provided some clarity regarding his relationship with Jadejha. He confirmed that he had indeed moved to Houston to be closer to her, fulfilling the promise he had made during the show.
He shared, “We’ve been doing our thing, we’re official.” This confirmation thrilled fans who had been rooting for the couple since the beginning of the season. It was clear that Darian and Jadejha’s connection had extended beyond the confines of The Circle, and they were officially a couple.
The Engagement Rumors: Is It Official Between Jadejha and Darian?
While Darian and Jadejha may not have won The Circle, they certainly won over the hearts of fans. Their love story, both on and off the screen, impressed viewers and left many wondering if wedding bells were in their future.
On October 3rd, in an interview, Jadejha addressed the rumors surrounding their relationship and confirmed that they had been dating for an entire year. She added, “It’s been good, and he’s been talking about a ring and stuff like that.”
You never know, there might be some engagement photos dropping soon.” This playful remark only heightened fans’ anticipation, as it became clear that the couple was seriously considering taking their relationship to the next level.
In the same interview, Jadejha revealed a special detail about the finale of The Circle Season 7. The production team had gifted her the garter from her wedding dress, a gesture that held significant meaning for her. She shared that she had kept the garter safe since the show’s finale, hinting that it might be used in her actual wedding someday.
These revelations confirmed what many fans had hoped for: Darian and Jadejha’s relationship was not only intact but stronger than ever. Though the exact details of Darian’s proposal plans remain a mystery, it is clear that the couple is deeply committed to each other. Their playful banter, shared experiences, and mutual support have laid a solid foundation for a lasting relationship.
Still from the show (Netflix)
As fans eagerly await more updates on the couple’s relationship, it’s clear that Darian and Jadejha’s story is far from over. Whether it’s through social media posts, interviews, or potential engagement announcements, the couple continues to keep their supporters excited and hopeful for their future together.
From Darian’s heartfelt declaration of affection to Jadejha’s playful hints about a proposal, their relationship has been a highlight for many fans of The Circle. While the game may have ended, their love story continues, and fans can’t wait to see what comes next.
Darian and Jadejha’s relationship, which blossomed during The Circle Season 7, has not only survived but thrived outside the show. Their connection, full of playful banter, emotional depth, and genuine affection, made them fan favorites. From their flirtatious chats to Darian’s heartfelt decision to meet Jadejha before leaving the Circle Villa, they demonstrated a unique bond that grew stronger over time.
Even after the cameras stopped rolling, the couple continued to make headlines with their social media interactions and public appearances. Darian’s move to Houston and the couple’s confirmation of their official relationship has left fans excited about what’s next for them. With Jadejha playfully teasing a potential engagement, the possibility of wedding bells seems closer than ever.
Their love story serves as a refreshing reminder that real connections can be made in even the most unlikely places. Fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on their relationship, from engagement announcements to possible wedding news.
As Darian and Jadejha continue to move ahead in their journey together, it’s clear that their bond remains strong, and their future looks bright. Their love story has touched many, and it’s just the beginning of what seems to be a promising and lasting relationship.
