Paula Malcomson and Christopher Eccleston have been cast in Come Home, a new BBC One drama which explores “the messy realities of parenthood, marriage and what happens when a mother switches the reset button on her life.”
Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, the series is being produced by RED Production Company – makers of Queer as Folk, Our Friends in the North, Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax – and was written by Danny Brocklehust.
The drama focuses on a family reeling; from mother Marie who has made the hardest decision of her life, to her bereft husband Greg and their three children.
Over the three episode run, the series asks the question, what does it take for a mother to walk out on her family, leaving her children behind? What impact does it have and how do others judge her?
Malcomson said: “After working in the US for 25 years I am thrilled to back home working for the second time in a year with the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen telling working class stories for a thinking, feeling audience.”
Eccleston added: “I’m very proud to be working with Danny Brocklehurst, RED Production Company, the BBC and Paula Malcomson on this challenging and provocative drama.”
Writer Danny Brocklehurst said: “Chris and Paula are two of the UK’s finest actors and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them in Come Home.
“The drama takes Greg and Marie on a hugely emotional journey as it explores the fallout from a mother leaving her children and it requires actors of their calibre to pull it off.
“I’ve been a fan of Chris Eccleston ever since I first saw him in Cracker and have wanted to work with him my entire career.
“Paula is a stunning character actress who brings credibility and depth to every role she plays.
“Their combination promises to be amazing.”
Tommy Bulfin, BBC Executive Producer and Drama Commissioning Editor for Northern Ireland, said: “I am delighted to announce that both Christopher Eccleston and Paula Malcomson will star in this raw and real family drama, taking on the roles of Greg and Marie, two emotionally charged and compelling characters that Danny has so wonderfully created.
“It’s a joy to welcome RED, Danny and Chris to Northern Ireland, and welcome Paula back to film in her home town of Belfast to work with some of the best local creative talent.
“Come Home continues the success of BBC drama production in Northern Ireland, representing Northern Ireland to audiences across the UK and internationally.”