Bad Sisters and Catastrophe star Sharon Horgan and Welsh actor Michael Sheen, known for his roles in Good Omens and Staged, have teamed up to lead the new powerful documentary from Jack Thorne, the writer behind His Dark Materials. Best Interests kicked off on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Monday, June 12, and follows a family who are driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make.
Sharon and Michael play proud and loving parents Nicci and Andrew Lloyd who are faced with an unthinkable decision when their daughter Marnie's health deteriorates to such an extent that the doctors, led by her long-time consultant, come to believe it is in her best interests to withdraw care. You can read more about the series here.
Also in the cast is Noma Dumezweni, Niamh Moriarty, Conversation with Friends star Alison Oliver, Holby City's Chizzy Akudolu, Silent Witness and The Crown's Des McAleer and The Mandalorian's Mat Fraser. While Pippa Haywood, known for Green Wing and Magpie Murders, takes on the role of Judge Spottiswood. You can see the cast list in full here.
Read more: How many episodes of BBC Best Interests there are and how to watch
Much of the BBC show was filmed in Cleeve Hill, while the emotional court case that plays out was shot in London. Meanwhile, production built the PICU set.
A synopsis for the series reads: "Nicci and Andrew are the proud and loving parents of Marnie (13) and Katie (17). But it hasn't been easy. Marnie has a rare form of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, a life-limiting condition. As a family, they have learnt to adapt.
"They've stayed strong, working as a team, caring for each other and finding light in the dark moments. Marnie's health deteriorates to such an extent that the doctors, led by her long-time consultant, Samantha, come to believe it is in her best interests to withdraw care.
"She is in pain, they argue. The treatments are becoming too invasive. Her parents disagree. They believe Marnie has made it this far, that she has a life worth living. This sets in play the inexorable journey to the high court, where a judge will decide what is in Marnie's best interests."
Best Interests kicked off at 9pm on Monday, June 12, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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