Mike Leigh says new film ‘likely’ to be his last – here’s why

• British filmmaker Mike Leigh , 83, has revealed that his next film , Tender Loving Care , is “likely” to be his last due to health issues.
• Leigh suffers from myositis, a rare autoimmune disease causing chronic muscle inflammation.
• When asked if Tender Loving Care will be his swansong in an interview with IndieWire , Leigh replied: “Absolutely. I think very likely, yes. I mean, I know the girls don’t like to hear me say that, but I think that is the case.”
• He added: “I was lucky in making this last film – people were very helpful. You’ll see when I get up that my two friends all helped me to stand up. So I probably can’t do much more.”
• The plot for Tender Loving Care , starring Marion Bailey and Kate O’Flynn, is currently undisclosed but is set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
• Known for his kitchen sink realism and portrayal of working-class characters, Leigh is a three-time BAFTA winner and has received Oscar nominations.

IN FULL

Mike Leigh says new film likely to be his last due to health issues