ITV will tell the true story of Mavis Eccleston in a new four-part drama that starts shooting in June
Penelope Wilton will star in Mavis Eccleston(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
ITV has announced a new drama based on the true story of a woman who survived a joint suicide pact she made with her husband.
Starring Penelope Wilton and Jonathan Pryce, the broadcaster‘s upcoming four-part series is titled Mavis Eccleston and will tell the story of a woman who was arrested and charged with murder after the death of Dennis, her husband of nearly 60 years.
Mavis and Dennis Eccleston decided to end their lives together when 81-year-old Dennis received a terminal cancer diagnosis and declined treatment to avoid prolonging his suffering. He’d had cancer twice before and knew the toll the invasive treatment would take on him and his family life.
Their family tried to dissuade them from taking a lethal cocktail of medication, but they were determined to leave the world together. After taking the overdose they were both rushed to the hospital, where Dennis died, but Mavis survived.
She and her family then had to process the grief of having lost their husband and father, whle also facing the prospect of Mavis spending the rest of her life in prison.
Downton Abbey star Penelope said it was a “true honour” to be playing Mavis in the drama.
“Mavis was devoted to her husband, Dennis, their enduring love for each other clear to see to all,” she said.
“They lived life on their own terms and when the time came, she wanted to respect his wishes. The fact she then faced the very real prospect of spending the rest of her life in prison for acting out of love is simply unimaginable. To be asked to bring her experience to life is a huge responsibility and true honour.”
Jonathan, who is playing Dennis, added: “This is a powerful and timely story of an extraordinary, devoted couple as they face the painful dilemma of assisted dying. We will hopefully honour their deep love for each other and their bravery.”
Grantchester actor Tom Brittney is also involved in the project, as he took it to producer Corestar Media after gaining the trust of the Eccleston family, who have given the ITV drama their blessing.
“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,” said Tom.
“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. Having worked with ITV, I knew they’d be the perfect home as an institution that champions powerful, social justice stories.”
Director Bruce Goodison added: “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 begin filming in Bristol in June this year.
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