Glenda Jackson (Women in Love, Elizabeth R) has been set as the lead in Elizabeth Is Missing, BBC One’s feature-length adaptation of Emma Healey’s novel. This marks Glenda Jackson’s first on-screen acting job since she retired from politics in 2015 and her first TV role since the 1990s.
“Emma’s novel and Andrea’s screenplay paint the most striking portrait of a woman in the grip of a devastating condition”, Jackson said. “I am delighted to be making my return to television to play Maud, a character it’s impossible not to be charmed and moved by.”
Elizabeth Is Missing explores one woman’s struggle with dementia. When her best friend Elizabeth goes missing, Maud (Jackson) is convinced that something terrible has happened, and sets out to solve the mystery. But with her dementia worsening, unfinished business unearthed and the past and present starting to merge, Maud’s search takes on a poignant urgency. Will Maud be able to discover the truth before she loses herself completely?
The one-off feature length adaptation was originally commissioned by the BBC’s Controller of Drama Piers Wenger and the BBC’s Director of Content Charlotte Moore last March. The script was penned by Andrea Gibb. STV Productions are producing, with Chrissy Skinns serving as the producer. The executive producers are Sarah Brown and Andrea Gibb for STV Productions and Gaynor Holmes for BBC One. Filming gets underway this summer in Scotland. Sky Vision will handle global sales.
“We are thrilled that Glenda Jackson is returning to the BBC and will be at the heart of this inspiring and extraordinary tale”, the BBC’s Controller of Drama Piers Wenger said in a statement. “Andrea Gibb’s brilliantly crafted script and adaptation of Elizabeth is Missing explores important themes told through emotion, warmth and humour.”
While STV Productions’ Sarah Brown added: “We are honoured that one of our country’s finest actors has chosen Elizabeth is Missing for her long awaited return to television. In Maud, novelist Emma Healey has created a truly memorable character who has captivated millions of readers. We couldn’t be more excited that Maud is now being brought to life on screen by the legendary Glenda Jackson.”
