Christopher Eccleston is notoriously picky about his roles, so we tend to sit up and take notice when word reaches us he’s got a new one.
Well, that happened today (September 1), as the BBC announced the Ninth Doctor is down to star in a new drama called Come Home, playing a man whose wife walks out on him and their children.
The wife in question will be played by Paula Malcomson, who’s returning to British TV after 25 years working in the U.S. on shows such as Lost, Deadwood, and Ray Donovan.
Over the course of three hour-long episodes, Come Home will explore Marie’s reasons for walking out on her family, and the impact it has on her husband and children.
In a statement, Christopher said he was “proud” to be working “on this challenging and provocative drama,” before picking out Paula and the drama’s BAFTA Award-winning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst (Shameless, The Five) for a special mention.
Danny replied in glowing terms: “Chris and Paula are two of the U.K.’s finest actors and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them in Come Home,” he said in a statement. “The drama takes Greg and Marie on a hugely emotional journey as it explores the fallout from a mother leaving her children and it requires actors of their calibre to pull it off.
“I’ve been a fan of Chris Eccleston ever since I first saw him in Cracker and have wanted to work with him my entire career. Paula is a stunning character actress who brings credibility and depth to every role she plays. Their combination promises to be amazing.”
We’ll say. And yes, we’d watch Christopher in anything, but Come Home does sound particularly intriguing. It’s already started filming in Northern Ireland and is expected to air in the U.K. some time next year. Fingers crossed there’s a U.S. release date too.
Are you looking forward to seeing Christopher and Paula on screen together?
