Penelope Wilton and Jonathan Pryce to lead ITV1's new drama, Mavis Eccleston

It tells the real-life story of the woman who survives a suicide pact with her husband of nearly 60 years.

ITV1 has announced Mavis Eccleston, a new four-part drama from Chris Lang, which tells the tragic and extraordinary real-life story of a woman who survived a joint suicide pact with the love of her life and husband of nearly 60 years and was subsequently arrested and charged with his murder.

It stars Penelope Wilton and Jonathan Pryce in the leading roles of Mavis and Dennis Eccleston, who in a complicated mix of raw and intense emotions, much to the anguish and upset of their adult children, Kevin and Joy, decided to end their lives together.

It happened when 81-year-old Dennis received a terminal cancer diagnosis and declined treatment to avoid prolonging his suffering. He’d had cancer twice before and knew the gruelling toll the invasive treatment would take on him and his family life.

Truly heartbreaking events unfold as the family desperately tries to dissuade Dennis and Mavis from taking a lethal cocktail of medication, but they remain steadfast in their belief that they should leave the world together.

Having taken an overdose together, they are both rushed to the hospital, where Dennis passes away, but Mavis survives. Following a confused and disorienting interview with hospital staff, the Police are alerted, and Mavis is arrested.

On taking on the role of Mavis, Penelope Wilton said "Mavis was devoted to her husband, Dennis, their enduring love for each other clear to see to all. They lived life on their own terms and when the time came, she wanted to respect his wishes."

"The fact she then faced the very real prospect of spending the rest of her life in prison for acting out of love is simply unimaginable. To be asked to bring her experience to life is a huge responsibility and true honour."

To which Joanathan Pryce added "This is a powerful and timely story of an extraordinary, devoted couple as they face the painful dilemma of assisted dying. We will hopefully honour their deep love for each other and their bravery."

Speaking about Mavis Eccleston, writer Chris Lang said "From the moment Mavis and Dennis’s extraordinary story was told to me, I knew I had to write the script - but maybe not for the reasons one might suspect. Although their story does ask profound questions about how we live and end our lives, for me, their story was always about something simpler and more enduring. For me this was always about love. Unconditional love."

To which director Bruce Goodison added "What excites me about this series is the towering humanity and dignity of this lively Cannock-based working-class family. There is joy in the pain this family suffered during this horrendous ordeal. They are the perfect lightning rod for the assisted dying debate."

And ITV's Director of Drama Polly Hill said "This is a poignant and powerful real-life story and I’m indebted to the team at Corestar and Indefinite Films for entrusting Mavis Eccleston to ITV where important, socially relevant stories can be told and brought to the attention of a mass audience. It’s ultimately a love story and I’m honoured that Penelope Wilton and Jonathan Pryce have agreed to play Mavis and Dennis."

Having gained the confidence and trust of the Eccleston family, executive producer Tom Brittney, who brought the project to Corestar, and has collaborated on the development of the series, said "When I first read about Mavis and Dennis in 2018, I was struck by the extraordinary love at its heart and the profound injustice their family endured."

"I felt their story, told with care and humanity, could be a powerful drama and a worthy contribution to a debate that remains urgent and deeply complex. Having worked with ITV, I knew they’d be the perfect home as an institution that champions powerful, social justice stories."

Mavis Eccleston and her family have given their blessing to the drama and have been available to Chris Lang and the production team throughout the script process.

Made by Corestar Media and Indefinite Films, Mavis Eccleston is written by Chris Lang, directed by Bruce Goodison, produced by Kate Cook and executive produced by Chris Lang, Corestar Media Managing Director Richard Hart, Ross Murray and Tom Brittney, and Bruce Goodison on behalf of Indefinite Films.

Mavis Eccleston will air on ITV1