Exciting news for Catastrophe star Sharon Horgan, as she will be starring in a new BBC drama series with Michael Sheen. The limited series will follow a married couple, Nicci and Andrew, played by Sharon and Michael, and their two daughters, Katie and Marnie. After Marnie is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, the doctors believe she should be left to die, causing Nicci and Andrew to fight for their daughter’s right to live.
The show was written by Jack Thorne, the iconic screenwriter and disability advocate. It’s also very different from anything the Meath woman has done before, but it is a project she is passionate about. She said; “Best Interests broke me when I first read the script and then again after talking with Jack about it.”
“Covid seems to have shone a closer light on the desperate inequalities that exist for our disabled community so this felt very timely. It’s a big subject, but it’s in Jack Thorne and Michael Keillor’s safe hands.”
Her soon to be co-star Michael, was just as impressed with the script, and was full of praise for the show’s team. The Welsh actor said; “Jack Thorne is such an extraordinary writer and he has approached this incredibly important and urgent subject with humanity, honesty and humour.”
“I feel very fortunate to be part of this production and to work with the brilliant Sharon Horgan and some of the most talented actors around.”
Meanwhile, screenwriter Jack has said of the show; “Best Interests cases are both compelling and revealing. Our country has a very troubled relationship with disability and these cases put a spotlight on that.”
It will be highlighting the humanity of the series and its focus on personal relationships he explained; “But our drama is first and foremost a love story and it needs incredible actors to bring it to life.
Continuing he added; “Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen lead a company of ridiculous talents that pull you into the most interesting of places. I’m so grateful to be working with them, Chapter One, Michael Keillor and a very brilliant crew.”
Jack saw massive success with his last drama series, ‘Help’, the Channel 4 drama followed a care home in the midst of the Covid pandemic, highlighting the struggles they faced.
It starred Stephen Graham of Boardwalk Empire fame and Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer. The show received critical acclaim and was praised for how it handled the sensitive subject matter. And was nominated for several Satellite Awards.
Jack has also worked on hit series such as Skins, Shameless, and His Dark Materials.
Words by Slaine McKenna
