The six-part drama centres around a neuro-divergent woman working in the criminal records department of Yorkshire Police.
Set and filmed in York (with some parts filmed in Belgium), Channel 4’s new upcoming police crime drama Patience, stars Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience Evans, who works in the criminal records department of Yorkshire Police, cataloguing and filing the evidence produced during major cases.
As a young autistic woman, she craves routine and order and relishes the solitude and structure her job provides but yearns for more.
Described as a brilliant, self-taught criminologist, Patience has an instinctive eye for crime scenes and a passion for problem-solving.
Laura Fraser stars as Detective Bea Metcalf who is the first person to spot and utilise her talent, which opens a door into a whole new world for Patience.
Patience attends a regular support group for autistic adults where they discuss the barriers inoperating in a neuro-typical world and how best to navigate it.
All neuro-divergent characters within the series will be played by neuro-diverse actors, including the title role of Patience.
Speaking about taking on the role of Patience Evans, Ella Maisy Purvis said “I'm incredibly honoured to bring Patience Evans to life in this ground-breaking drama. Audiences can look forward to an authentic representation of a young autistic woman that is written with nuance and detail, but also that challenges the norms of the neuro-typical world. Patience is a character full of depth, intelligence, and an unwavering passion for justice, and I can't wait for viewers to join her on this thrilling journey.”
To which Laura Fraser, who stars alongside her, added “Patience is full of intriguing mysteries and unusual crimes, but also looks at detective Bea Metcalf's working relationship with a young woman who experiences life in a different way to her own, and also the friendship that develops between them.”
Acquired for Channel 4 by Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions, Patience is made by Eagle Eye Drama and has been adapted from the original hit French series Astrid and Raphaelle and is a co-production with JLA Productions.
Directed by Maarten Moerkerke and executive produced by Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino for Eagle Eye Drama.
Matt Baker heads up the writing team and is joined by Stephen Brady, Sarah Freethy and Daniella DeVinter, who each have personal experience relating to autism.
Speaking about the new drama, Eagle Eye Drama’s Chief Creative Officer said “We are proud to be making a mainstream crime series built around an exceptional neurodivergent protagonist called Patience. The character is beautifully brought to life by Ella Maisy Purvis a compelling young actress who will captivate audiences. We’re delighted to be working with Channel 4, a broadcaster whose championing of diversity in all its forms has always been at the very heart of its DNA."
To which Channel 4’s Drama Commissioning Executive, Ben Wadey, added “Patience is a captivating crime drama that not only delivers gripping mysteries, but also offers a unique and authentic perspective on neurodiversity. Channel 4 is incredibly proud to champion this ground-breaking series, which celebrates the power of difference, offering viewers a fresh take on the crime genre."
Patience airs later this year on Channel 4
Comments