Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide.
An upcoming ITV drama based on a devastating true story has shared a new cast announcement as more stars have joined soap actress Jill Halfpenny, Downton Abbey's Dame Penelope Wilton, and Game of Thrones's Jonathan Pryce. Titled Mavis Eccleston, the upcoming four-part series looks at the case of Mavis and Dennis Eccleston, a couple who agree to die by suicide — only for Mavis to survive and be charged with her husband's murder.
With Wilton and Pryce confirmed in the lead roles, the series has now announced its extended cast. Blue Lights's Sian Brooke and Slow Horses's Chris Reilly will play Dennis and Mavis' children, Joy and Kevin.
The series marks a reunion of sorts between Reilly and Pryce, as the two both appear in Slow Horses.
Elsewhere on the Mavis Eccleston cast roster, Jill Halfpenny and Darrell D'Silva take on the roles of Tracey and Kenton, the partners of Kevin and Joy. Black Mirror's Rhashan Stone and Waterloo Road's Emma Stansfield round out the central cast as Barrister Alex Wyatt and Joy's close friend, Paula.
The series is written by Unforgotten's Chris Lang and directed by Bruce Goodison, with Grantchester's Tom Brittney contributing to the show's development.
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Speaking in a press release on what drew him to the project, Lang said: "From the moment Mavis and Dennis' extraordinary story was told to me, I knew I had to write the script — but maybe not for the reasons one might suspect.
"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. For me, this was always about love. Unconditional love."
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Currently filming in Bristol, the series follows Mavis and Dennis who, after 60 years of marriage, agree to die by suicide together after Dennis receives his third cancer diagnosis. As his cancer is terminal, Dennis refuses treatment, and his and Mavis's family members attempt to dissuade them from following through with their decision.
After the couple take an overdose, Dennis passes away, while Mavis lives and is then arrested for the murder of her husband.
Mavis Eccleston will air on ITV.
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
