New ITV drama with Joanne Froggatt to expore 'truth' of Covid in NHS hospitals
A new ITV drama starring Joanne Froggatt is set to reveal the "truth" as to what it was really like working in NHS hospitals during the pandemic.
Breathtaking follows frontline hospital consultant Abbey Henderson as she witnesses the virus take hold in her own hospital. The drama is based on writer Rachel Clarke's own experiences as a doctor working on the NHS frontline during the pandemic.
Actress Joanne Froggatt, who played Anna Bates in Downton Abbey, plays the leading role in the three-part series set in a fictional big-city hospital. She said: “I feel truly honoured to be playing Dr Abbey Henderson in Breathtaking, based on Dr Rachel Clarke’s beautifully written, poignant and shocking book of the same name.
"When I first read the incredible scripts they moved me to tears on many occasions. I felt so passionately that I had to be a part of telling this story, the real story, of what was really happening behind the closed doors of the hospitals during the pandemic.”
Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt will play the leading role (PA)
She wants to tell the 'real story' (PA)Golden-Globe-winner Joanne added: “Our NHS staff are nothing less than absolute heroes in my eyes, and I hope telling this story goes a little way towards us understanding their truth, their lived experience and honouring their unbelievable commitment and sacrifice on behalf of us all.”
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Rachel's book inspired the series as she gave her own account of being a doctor in 2020. Of the show, she said: “There is so much misinformation and rewriting of history around what really happened inside our hospitals during the pandemic.
"The truth is, NHS staff gave everything they had in impossible conditions that sometimes cost them their lives. It is an honour to try and depict the courage and decency of my NHS colleagues on screen, and I’m so grateful to ITV and HTM Television for giving me the chance to show the public the truth.”
Former junior hospital doctors Jed Mercurio and Prasanna Puwanarajah also helped to adapt Rachel's book for the screen. Director Craig Viveiros added: "I’m honoured to be working with Jed, Rachel and Prasanna on this timely, important project.
"After reading the first few pages of the script, I knew this was a project I wanted to be involved with. Its unique, bold and unflinching take on life on the front line during the pandemic was immediately captivating. I’m delighted to once again be working with Joanne Froggatt, her ability to effortlessly bring the humanity and empathy to any character she portrays meant she was the perfect performer to bring Abbey to life.”
Craig continued: “Shooting a large part of the miniseries in long, real-time sequences should make for captivating viewing and allow the audience to be immersed in the struggles our real-life heroes faced in the wards and emergency departments across the country, day after day, during the pandemic. This story is a chance for their voices and sacrifices to be seen and heard.”
The drama is produced by Brian J. Falconer, known for Derry Girls, Ordinary Love and The Dig, and executive produced by Jed Mercurio, Rachel Clarke and Prasanna Puwanarajah.
Prasanna is an actor, writer, producer and director whose acting credits include Ten Percent, The Crown, Line of Duty and Doctor Foster. Filming took place in Northern Ireland earlier this year.
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