Walters to star in BBC1 assisted suicide drama
Julie Walters is to star in a new BBC1 drama about a woman diagnosed with a critical illness who decides to take her own life.
Julie Walters in Filth - The Mary Whitehouse Story recently on BBC Two Photo: BBC / Wall to Wall
Written by Frank McGuinness, A Short Stay in Switzerland is inspired by the true story of Dr Anne Turner, a retired doctor who took her own life with the help of staff at a Swiss clinic.
McGuinness said: “As a doctor Anne Turner lived and worked by her principles, and she chose to die by them. This film recognises that rare courage.”
The drama begins filming in London later this summer, for transmission in winter 2009.
Kate Harwood, BBC controller of series and serials, said: “One of Ireland’s foremost dramatists, Frank brings a lightness of touch, dark wit and a heart-wrenching humanity to this piece.”
A Short Stay In Switzerland is being made by the BBC and was commissioned by Jane Tranter, controller of BBC fiction.
Also from The Stage
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- Windsor and Walters among star finalists for IEAM award
- Julie Walters to replace Alan Bates as Actors Centre patron
- Actress Walters to play Whitehouse in BBC2 drama Filth
- Walters lands gem of a role in BBC drama
- A different class - Julie Walters
- TV Today: Julie Walters
- Shenton's View: Julie Walters
External links
- Entry for Frank McGuinness on IMDB
- BBC Drama
- Entry for Julie Walters in IMDB
- Entry for Julie Walters in Wikipedia
- Entry for Frank McGuinness in Wikipedia
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