Jonathan Pryce and Penelope Wilton cast in 'poignant' ITV drama
ITV has announced Jonathan Pryce and Penelope Wilton will play Dennis and Mavis Eccleston.
Jonathan Pryce and Penelope Wilton have been cast in new ITV drama Mavis Eccleston.
The upcoming ITV series is based on the titular character's real life story, which saw Mavis (Wilton) and Dennis Eccleston (Pryce) decide to end their lives together after his terminal cancer diagnosis, but she survived their overdose attempt and was tried for her husband's murder before being acquitted in 2019.
Veteran actor Pryce said in a statement: “This is a powerful and timely story of an extraordinary, devoted couple as they face the painful dilemma of assisted dying.
“We will hopefully honour their deep love for each other and their bravery."
And Wilton described the role as a "true honour".
She added: "Mavis was devoted to her husband, Dennis, their enduring love for each other clear to see to all.
"They lived life on their own terms and when the time came, she wanted to respect his wishes.
"The fact she then faced the very real prospect of spending the rest of her life in prison for acting out of love is simply unimaginable.
"To be asked to bring her experience to life is a huge responsibility and true honour.”
ITV have revealed that Eccleston and her family gave their blessing for the show and they have been on hand while the script has been written.
Chris Lang has been tasked with penning the drama, with Doctor Foster director Bruce Goodison at the helm.
Grantchester actor Tom Brittney had brought the project to Corestar after gaining the trust of the Eccleston family, and he is involved in the development.
He said: "I felt their story, told with care and humanity, could be a powerful drama and a worthy contribution to a debate that remains urgent and deeply complex.
"Having worked with ITV, I knew they’d be the perfect home as an institution that champions powerful, social justice stories.”
The show comes as legislation which would legalise dying in the UK is making its way through parliament, sparking widespread debate.
Head of drama Polly Hill is overseeing the production for ITV, and she is delighted the channel is being trusted with such a sensitive story.
She said: “This is a poignant and powerful real-life story and I’m indebted to the team at Corestar and Indefinite Films for entrusting Mavis Eccleston to ITV where important, socially relevant stories can be told and brought to the attention of a mass audience."
Mavis Eccleston will begin filming in Bristol in June 2026, with further casting to be announced "in due course".
