Today, two first look images have been released of Ben Whishaw in BBC One's highly anticipated adaptation of Adam Kay's This is Going to Hurt.
Originally set for BBC Two, the seven-part series has just finished filming and will now air on BBC One with already announced Ben Whishaw being joined by Dame Harriet Walter, Ambika Mod, Michele Austin, Alex Jennings and Rory Fleck Byrne.
At times hilarious, at times devastating, the series follows Ben Whishaw's character Adam, a doctor who we find wending his way through the ranks of hospital hierarchy. Junior enough to suffer the crippling hours, but senior enough to face a constant barrage of terrifying responsibilities.
Adam is clinging to his personal life as he is increasingly overwhelmed by stresses at work: the 97-hour weeks, the life and death decisions, and all the while knowing the hospital parking meter is earning more than him.
Michele Austin plays Tracy, a confident, sharp-witted senior midwife, Alex Jennings plays Mr Lockhart, a consultant and Adam's domineering boss, Kadiff Kirwan plays Julian, Adam’s colleague and professional rival and Ashley McGuire plays Miss Houghton, a formidable and forthright consultant who spots potential in Shruti.
Elsewhere, Dame Harriet Walter plays Adam's mother, Veronique whilst Rory Fleck Byrne plays Adam’s boyfriend, Harry and Tom Durant-Pritchard plays Adam’s best friend Greg; his two closest relationships and the ones forced to face the brunt of the pressures he faces at work.
The series is based on Adam Kay’s award-winning international multi-million selling memoir of the same name, which has sold over 2.5 million copies to date and has been translated into 37 languages.
The series, which is created, written and executive produced by Kay himself, rejoices in the laugh-out-loud highs while pulling no punches in its depiction of the gut-wrenching lows of life on a gynaecology and obstetrics ward. Blisteringly funny, politically enraging and frequently heartbreaking.
This is Going to Hurt remains a stark reminder of the vital role played by the NHS and is a clarion call to support our medics, a message that is more urgent than ever.
This is Going to Hurt will air on BBC One
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