Midsomer Murders actress calls out casting directors for requiring bust size on applications

Midsomer Murders actress Kirsty Dillon has called out UK casting directors for requesting bust measurements when casting for adverts.

Dillon, 50, who starred as detective constable Gail Stephens in 24 episodes of Midsomer Murders before leaving in 2010, has raised concerns about the practice, which she claims is commonplace for acting jobs in commercials.

She first reported the issue in 2023, complaining through industry channels that she was receiving bra-size requests from casting directors before she had even secured a role.

At the time, Dillon, who says she has never seen the request for film and TV series jobs just for adverts, raised her concerns with Equity, and after persisting with her complaint the union took legal advice and was told that requesting intimate measurements could breach data protection regulations.

The union and the Casting Directors Association (CDA) then promised that efforts would be made to end requests for intimate measurements. 

But three years on and Dillon has told Deadline she still sees the request on casting forms, citing an example from late last year when a CDA member asked her for her 'bust/chest size,' with the clarification 'e.g. (Women) 32B' on a form which was used during the casting process for an advert.

Dillon, whose other TV credits include MotherFatherSon and Holby City, said the bust-size question triggers a trauma response, explaining: 'There was a 15-year period of my career where I was being harassed by three men.'

'When I used to see that [bust size] question on paper, all those trauma symptoms would come flooding back. It was a reminder that my body wasn't mine.'

'When I see the question now, it makes me feel angry, disempowered, and depressed. But I don't feel frightened anymore because I have healed, and I've stood up and asked important questions.'

In a statement, an Equity spokesperson told Deadline: 'Equity believes that in the majority of cases, asking performers for details about intimate measurements, such as their bust size, is not only unnecessary but overly intrusive and potentially harmful.

'There are limited circumstances where doing so might be seen as legitimate, such as for costume fittings or commercials where related products are being sold. However, asking a performer for this information in the early stages of casting, and before they are engaged, is inappropriate.'

The union added: 'The union has advised the above to agents and casting directors. If any members are asked for details about intimate measurements and believe the request to be inappropriate, please contact Equity.'

The CDA said: 'The Casting Directors Association is committed to best practice throughout the casting process. We recommend requesting gender-neutral sizing information on casting forms for the first round of casting and at recall stage.'

'All information provided is voluntary, and choosing not to provide it will not affect an actor's application for any role. If an actor is unsuccessful, their information will be retained only for as long as the Casting Director reasonably considers necessary for record-keeping purposes.

'If an actor is successful, their information may be retained for as long as the commercial remains in use and may be shared with those involved in the production of the commercial. 

'The casting director must obtain the actor's consent before processing any sensitive or special category personal data included on the form. This can be achieved through a simple tick box at the end of the form.'

The CDA continued: 'Due to the increasingly fast turnaround between casting and production, providing sizing information to the wardrobe department can help ensure a smoother process and a better experience for actors attending fittings.'

'However, actors are under no obligation to provide sizing information at the first round of casting and may leave these fields blank if they prefer.'

Meanwhile, Midsomer Murders' branch out into theatre has paid off, with the announcement this month that the on-stage spin off of the long-running TV drama is  returning for another UK tour in 2027.

The pilot episode of the classic TV show story, The Killings at Badger's Drift, was turned into a play earlier this year starring original Midsomer star Daniel Casey as DCI Tom Barnaby. 

Of the new tour, Casey said: 'Since returning to the world of Midsomer last October, it has been such a delight to see the incredible reaction of people around the UK and Ireland to our theatre version of The Killings at Badger's Drift and, most importantly for me, getting my dear friend John Nettles' seal of approval after he saw it in Truro. 

'So it is wonderful that, after such a successful first tour, we will be touring to even more venues in 2027. Thank you to all those people who have shown such love for the play and I can't wait to bring it to a whole new audience in some wonderful new venues in 2027.'

This second tour will feature new cast members but the same story and will hit the UK theatre circuit from next April.