James R | On 27, Jul 2019

BBC has Jack Thorne’s Best Interests, ordering a four-part drama from the writer.

Thorne, who has penned the adaptation of His Dark Materials for the Been and HBO, has recently aired a string of dramas on Channel 4, including National Treasure, Kiri and most recently The Virtues. Now, the Harry Potter And The Cursed Child writer is heading back to the Beeb for Best Interests.

The original drama from tells a story of a family driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make. Andrew and Nicci’s daughter, Marnie, has a life-threatening condition. The doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her loving family disagree. And so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. Who decides? And in whose best interests will it be?

The drama has been commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content; and is the first production for new company Chapter One Pictures. Executive Producers are Sophie Gardiner (Howards End, Chimerica), Toby Bentley (Kiri) for Chapter One Pictures, Jack Thorne for One Shoe Films, and Lucy Richer for BBC One. The series will be produced by Abi Bach (The Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising).

Thorne says: “As a parent of a three year old I’ve looked at the cases in the media about ‘best interests’ with some fascination and a little dread. When the worst happens, how do you keep your head when everything around you feels wrong? We are going to try and tell a nuanced story that talks about this issue from all sides. I’m so happy to be working with Piers Wenger and the BBC again and to be part of the great folk at Chapter One Pictures.”

Wenger adds: “This heart-breaking story delves deep into the inner turmoil these two parents experience when faced with their worst nightmare. Jack Thorne’s talent for tackling the most complex and challenging real life stories with consideration, wisdom and vision will make this a series to remember.”

Filming will take place in 2020 with casting announced in due course.

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