ITV has unveiled additional casting for its upcoming four-part drama Mavis Eccleston, based on the harrowing true story of a woman who survived a mutual suicide pact with her husband of nearly 60 years, only to be arrested and charged with his murder. The series, which is currently filming in Bristol, will feature stars from Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey.
Cast and Leading Roles
Downton Abbey's Penelope Wilton and The Crown's Jonathan Pryce will play the titular roles of Mavis and Dennis Eccleston. They are joined by Sian Brooke (Blue Lights) and Chris Reilly (Call the Midwife) as their children, Joy and Kevin. Jill Halfpenny (After the Flood) and Darrell D'Silva (Van Der Valk) portray the partners of Kevin and Joy, while Rhashan Stone (Black Mirror) and Emma Stansfield (Waterloo Road) appear as barrister Alex Wyatt and Paula, a close friend of Joy's.
Story Overview
According to the official synopsis, after 81-year-old Dennis Eccleston received a terminal cancer diagnosis and declined treatment to avoid prolonged suffering, he and his wife Mavis decided to end their lives together. Their adult children, Kevin and Joy, were devastated and tried to dissuade them from taking a lethal cocktail of medication. Despite the family's efforts, Dennis and Mavis took an overdose and were rushed to hospital, where Dennis died. Mavis survived and was subsequently arrested and charged with murder.
Real-Life Outcome and Approval
Mavis Eccleston was acquitted in 2019 and has given her approval to the drama. The series has been developed by Grantchester star Tom Brittney alongside Indefinite Films. Brittney said: 'When I first read about Mavis and Dennis in 2018, I was struck by the extraordinary love at its heart and the profound injustice their family endured. 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.'
Creative Team
The series is written by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang, creator of ITV's Unforgotten, and directed by BAFTA-winning Bruce Goodison, with Kate Cook serving as producer. Goodison commented: 'What excites me about this series is the towering humanity and dignity of this lively Cannock-based working-class family. There is joy in the pain this family suffered during this horrendous ordeal. They are the perfect lightning rod for the assisted dying debate.'
Mavis Eccleston will air on ITV and STV.
