Derry Girls star looks worlds away from hit Channel 4 comedy as she transforms for new Netflix series

DERRY Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson looks worlds away from her beloved character Erin Quinn as she transforms for a new Netflix role. 

stars in the streamers’ new limited series The Decameron.

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Netflix’s new comedy is a limited series set in 14th century Italy. 

“As the bubonic plague spreads through Italy, a group of nobles and servants retreats to a villa, where their lavish getaway quickly spirals into chaos,” the show’s official synopsis teases. 

As the show is worlds away from 1990s Derry, star Saoirse-Monica has undergone quite a dramatic transformation to step into the shoes of servant Misia. 

Posting a picture of her character on Instagram, Saoirse-Monica confirmed she’d swapped her luscious blonde locks for a blunt brown bob and cropped full fringe. 

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The look is complete with period clothing and a terrified expression, which is clearly a sign of what’s coming in the series. 

Alongside the picture, the TV star informed her 467k followers that the limited series drops on Netflix on July 25. 

Her fans were quick to share their excitement about the series and react to Saoirse-Monica’s transformation in the comments. 

Feeling that she easily pulled off the dishevelled servant look, one fan said: “She’s serving that berries and cream slay.”

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While another commented: “I can’t wait to meet this new version of Erin.”

“Ooooh, this looks intriguing! You look soooo different,” a third observed.

“Lord Farquaad lore, I love it,” teased a fourth fan, noting that her hair looks just like the Shrek villain. 

Meanwhile, a fifth praised: “Can’t wait to watch it!! Have loved you since Derry Girls!”

also responded “Yes!!!” with several fire emojis to the shocking transformation. 

Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, the Derry Girls star confirmed she has not chopped her hair and is simply donning a wig for the series. 

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She had some input into her appearance, explaining: “I leaned between Lord Farquaad, Christopher Robin, and Zendaya at the Met Gala a couple of years ago. I feel like it’s mostly Lord Farquaad, though.”

Teasing details of her character, she added: “Misia also gives off Dobby vibes. When Misia gets that purple bow in her hair and that purple dress, it’s like when Dobby gets the sock.”

What have the cast of Derry Girls been doing since the series ended?

As viewers, we may still not be over the end of Derry Girls, but the cast have certainly been keeping busy as they've moved on from the hit Channel 4 comedy.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson

• The Decameron star played Erin Quinn on the Irish period comedy-drama. Following the end of the hit show in 2022, she has appeared in episodes of The Flash and The Doll Factory. She also starred in Prime Video's rom-com Upgraded alongside Riverdale's Camilla Mendes.

Louisa Harland

• Orla McCool actor landed an exciting new opportunity after Derry Girls, taking on the lead role of Nell Jackson in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell. The series was a big hit with a second season possibly in the works.

Nicola Coughlan

• Nicola has been fully booked since Derry Girls ended. The Claire actress took the lead in the third season of Bridgerton alongside Luke Newton as they showcased Penelope and Colin's love story. She also took the lead in another Channel 4 comedy - Big Mood - alongside It's A Sin star Lydia West. Nicola has also had a few notable feature roles appearing in Greta Gerwig's Barbie in 2023 and Seize Them! alongside Sex Education star Aimee Lou Wood in 2024.

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell

• Following her portrayal of tough Derry Girl Michelle, landed a lead role in Channel 4's prison drama Screw. She played Rose Gill opposite Nina Sosanya's Leigh Henry for two series.

Dylan Llewellyn

• Rounding out the 'Derry Girls' is Dylan's character James. When the series ended Dylan also stuck with Channel 4, headlining the comedy Big Boys for two series before landing a role a BBC spin-off. Dylan plays PC Kelby Hartford in Beyond Paradise.

The Decameron is available to stream on Netflix now.