Shropshire Star

Sheridan Smith to star in new drama that addresses dementia care

The BBC feature-length drama has been co-written by Broken creator Jimmy McGovern.

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Sheridan Smith has been confirmed for a new BBC drama written by Jimmy McGovern.

Actress Sheridan Smith will star in award-winning writer Jimmy McGovern’s new feature-length BBC drama called Care, it has been announced.

Smith will play a single mother-of-two whose life is transformed when her mother, played by Gavin And Stacey star Alison Steadman, suffers a stroke and develops dementia.

Being Human actress Sinead Keenan will also feature as Smith’s on-screen sister in the programme, which was inspired by the real-life experiences of McGovern’s co-writer Gillian Juckes.

Ahead of the show’s production McGovern said: “A great cast, a wonderful director and a superb co-writer! I’m really looking forward to making this.”

The programme will see Cilla star Smith’s character Jenny torn between having to care for her ailing mother Mary while managing to hold down a job at a supermarket and being a mother.

Care follows McGovern’s previous television drama series Broken, for which its star Sean Bean recently won the TV Bafta Award for Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of priest Father Michael Kerrigan.

Like Broken, Care will be shot and set in McGovern’s home city of Liverpool.

Writer Jimmy McGovern, left, with Sean Bean
Writer Jimmy McGovern, left, with Sean Bean, the star of his previous BBC drama series Broken (Peter Byrne/PA)

“Together they tell a truly remarkable story of one woman’s battle to get the best care for her mother.

“The cast, led by the wonderful Sheridan Smith, will portray this poignant story with the warmth and gravitas it deserves.”

The BBC confirmed in their announcement that filming for Care will begin shortly.

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