Channel 4 announces new crime drama Patience starring Laura Fraser and Ella Maisy Purvis

20 June 2024

From Eagle Eye Drama (The Couple Next Door, Professor T, Hotel Portofino), filming has just completed on Patience, a new six-part police crime drama set in York starring Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) and Ella Maisy Purvis (Kind of Spark, Malpractice) which will be available to stream and watch live on Channel 4.

Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) works in the criminal records department of Yorkshire Police, cataloguing and filing the evidence produced during major cases. A young autistic woman, she craves routine and order, relishing the solitude and structure her job provides but she yearns for more. A brilliant, self-taught criminologist, Patience has an instinctive eye for crime scenes and a passion for problem-solving.

Detective Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser) is the first person to spot and utilize 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 in operating 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.

Laura Fraser, says: “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.”

Ella Maisy Purvis, says: “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.”

Jo McGrath, Chief Creative Officer, Eagle Eye Drama says: "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."

Ben Wadey, Drama Commissioning Executive, Channel 4 says: "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 has been acquired for Channel 4 by Polly Scates, Head of Acquisitions, and will be directed by Maarten Moerkerke (13 Commandments). Matt Baker (Hotel Portofino, Professor T, Suspect) heads up the writing team and is joined by Stephen Brady (Professor T), Sarah Freethy (The Porcelain Maker) and Daniella DeVinter (Before We Die S2), all of whom have personal experience relating to autism. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino executive produce for Eagle Eye Drama.

Patience is adapted from the original hit French series Astrid and Raphaelle and is a co-production of JLA Productions. The series will be distributed worldwide by Beta Film and is being produced in association with Happy Duck Films. It is also supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.

Filming has taken place in York and Belgium and transmission details will be announced in due course.

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For more information, please contact:
For Eagle Eye Drama:
Iain McCallum
011162im@gmail.com

For Channel 4:
Harriet Wilson
Publicity Lead, Channel 4 Drama, Comedy, Acquisitions
hwilson@channel4.co.uk