Jill Halfpenny, known for roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Waterloo Road, has joined the cast of ITV's upcoming drama Mavis Eccleston, based on the true story of a couple from Staffordshire who made a suicide pact after a bowel cancer diagnosis.
Plot and Cast Details
The series follows Mavis and Dennis Eccleston. After taking an overdose together, Dennis dies, but Mavis survives. She is arrested and put on trial for murder. The synopsis states: "Having taken an overdose together, they are both rushed to the hospital, where Dennis passes away, but Mavis survives. Following a confused interview with hospital staff, the police are alerted, and Mavis is arrested."
Halfpenny plays Tracey, partner of Kevin. She joins previously announced stars Penelope Wilton as Mavis and Jonathan Pryce as Dennis. Sian Brooke (Blue Lights) plays daughter Joy, and Chris Reilly (Wolf Hall) plays son Kevin.
Real-Life Outcome
After an 18-month legal battle, Mavis was cleared of all allegations by a jury. She told The Mirror: "I have no regrets. I would do it all again to help my husband escape the terrible pain he was in. It was awful, especially to be accused of murdering the man I had loved for 60 years."
Creative Team and Production
Chris Lang (Unforgotten, The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe) wrote the four-part series. He said: "I knew I had to write the script. Although their story does ask profound questions about how we live and end our lives, for me, their story was always about something simpler and more enduring. This was always about love. Unconditional love."
The series is produced by Corestar Media and Indefinite Films. It will air on ITV and STV and stream on ITVX. Filming is currently underway in Bristol; no release date has been announced.
