Love Actually star Laura Linney is teaming up with House Of The Dragon's Rhys Ifans for an upcoming drama.
The 90-minute drama focuses on the touching story between Tony and Emma, two people who have a lot in common - their love of dance, their sense of humour, and Parkinson's. They will be joined by Mr Bates Vs The Post Office star Monica Dolan and The Diplomat's Rory Kinnear.
Taking place in North Norfolk, Ifans takes on the role of Tony Evans, the deputy head of a local primary school. A startling encounter introduces him to pianist and single mother Emma, played by Linney. On the same morning, they are both confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
Writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, who will also star in the BBC show, said: "In 2011 when I was 58 years old, I was told I had Parkinson’s.
"It’s incurable and it makes many of the things I do - walking, talking, smiling - increasingly difficult. But though I have reasons to hate Parkinson’s, it has also brought me opportunities I wouldn’t have missed for the world.
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"The latest of these is the chance to work with the brilliant director John Madden and wonderful actors on bringing this story to life. So, thank you Parkinson’s. My fingers may fumble, my mouth may mumble and each step I take may result in a stumble. But I cannot grumble."
Further cast is to be announced.
Hilary Bevan Jones, producer for Hilltop Screen, added: "Paul’s wonderful script has made me laugh, cry, and think about all that life has to offer.
"I hope this film will strike a chord with everyone, and I am thrilled that the peerless John Madden has brought together such an exceptional cast. Rhys and Laura will make a Tony and Emma who will touch the hearts of us all."
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition causing motor symptoms like tremors, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. Around 166,000 people have Parkinson’s in the UK alone, with one person being diagnosed every 20 minutes.
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Catherine is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, and was the site's News Editor between 2018 and 2024. Prior to that, she worked at OK! Online, and has interviewed a slew of celebrities across her career in entertainment news, including Tom Hanks, Cheryl and Noel Fielding. Catherine also has specialist knowledge in all things drag, interviewing a huge portion of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, and getting her own drag makeover for Channel 4's show Drag SOS. LinkedIn
