Michael Sheen leads the cast of Best Interests in a brand new BBC drama Best Interests.
The BBC series, penned by the Help and writer, follows a family driven apart by a decision no parent would ever want to make.
Bad Sisters’ Sharon Horgan, 52, and Quiz actor Michael, 53, play married couple Nicci and Andrew, who share two daughters Katie, portrayed by Conversations With Friends star Alison Oliver, and Marnie (Niamh Moriarty).
Marnie has a life-threatening condition, with doctors believing it is in her best interest to die, but her loving family disagrees and begin a lengthy legal fight to try and overturn the decision.
The official synopsis reads: ‘This is a story of a family driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make. Andrew and Nicci’s daughter, Marnie, has a life-threatening condition.
‘The doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her loving family disagree. And so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. Who decides? And in whose best interests will it be?’
But is the upcoming drama based on a true story?
Is Best Interests based on a true story?
The series is not based on any specific true story, but it is heavily inspired by several similar cases of parents who conflicted over doctors regarding what treatment would be in the ‘best interests of their child.
Catastrophe actor Sharon previously said she was ‘broken’ after first reading the script for the four-parter.
She added: ‘Best Interests broke me when I first read the script and then again after talking with Jack about it. Covid seems to have shone a closer light on the desperate inequalities that exist for our disabled community so this felt very timely. ‘
Meanwhile, Twilight star Michael remarked: ‘Jack Thorne is such an extraordinary writer and he has approached this incredibly important and urgent subject with humanity, honesty and humour.’
Best Interests airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
