ITV commissions medical thriller Malpractice

ITV commissions medical thriller Malpractice

ITV commissions medical thriller Malpractice, starring Niamh Algar, produced by World Productions, written by former doctor, Grace Ofori-Attah and directed by Boiling Point’s Philip Barantini

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill has commissioned medical thriller, Malpractice, produced by World Productions, written by Grace Ofori-Attah, directed by BAFTA nominated director Philip Barantini and starring BAFTA nominee, Niamh Algar (Deceit, Calm with Horses, Raised by Wolves). 

Dr Lucinda Edwards (Niamh Algar) is a smart, battle-hardened doctor, but we meet her on a nightmare shift that ends in the death of an opioid overdose victim, Edith Owusu. Despite the support of her medical supervisor, Dr Leo Harris, played by James Purefoy (A Discovery of Witches, Pennyworth, Sex Education), Edith’s grieving father Sir Anthony Owusu, played by Brian Bovell (Crime, Strike), demands an enquiry into Lucinda’s actions on the fateful night. 

Leading the medical investigation are Dr Norma Callahan played by Helen Behan (Holding, The Virtues) and Lucinda’s former colleague, Dr George Adjei, played by Jordan Kouamé (Megalomania). While George feels this was an unavoidable tragedy, Norma is suspicious of Lucinda’s behaviour and decisions in the lead up to Edith’s death. 

As the pressure of the investigation intensifies, Lucinda’s relationship with husband Tom, played by Lorne MacFadyen (Pistol, Vigil) starts to fracture, and her confident professional exterior begins to crack. Is Lucinda hiding something? 

Through the cat and mouse thriller of the medical investigation, Malpractice tells the story of a damaged doctor caught up in a dangerous conspiracy.

Filming in and around Leeds the Malpractice cast also includes: Hannah Walters (Boiling Point, Time) in the role of Matron Beth Relph, Priyanka Patel (Britney, Another Me) as Dr Ramya Morgan, Scott Chambers (Chicken, Innocent S2) as Dr Oscar Beattie, Tristan Sturrock (Poldark, Doc Martin) as Dr Mike Willett and Georgina Rich (Heartstoppers, War of the Worlds) playing Dr Eva Tait.  

The five-part series will be executive produced by Simon Heath, CEO of World Productions, producers of Line of Duty, Save Me, Vigil, The Pembrokeshire Murders and Anne. 

Malpractice is written by Grace Ofori-Attah, whose credits include In the Long Run and Urban Myths, directed by Philip Barantini (Boiling Point, The Responder, Villain) and produced by Sophie Reynolds (State of the Union).

Grace Ofori-Attah says:

“I’d worked as an NHS doctor for over a decade when I first came to World with an idea that would become Malpractice. Malpractice explores the inevitable pressure-cooker created when doctors under investigation are forced to second-guess their clinical decisions, justify their every action but carry on with the day job as normal. It has been an absolute joy and privilege creating Malpractice with the team at World, who are well-versed in creating drama that’s endlessly entertaining and surprising, and I can’t wait to see it on screen.”

Niamh Algar says:

"I’m thrilled to be a part of this project. I was blown away by Grace Ofori-Attah's script and the team attached in creating Malpractice. I’m a huge fan of Phil Barantini’s work, his movie Boiling Point is an astonishing piece of work and I’m so excited to see how he approaches Malpractice.  I’m absolutely over the moon that we are working together on this special series."

Simon Heath says:

“Grace’s brilliant scripts combine a searing insight into the pressures and politics of hospital life with a gripping and timely thriller. It’s those terrific scripts that have attracted talent of the calibre of Phil and Niamh. We’re thrilled to be working with them all.”

Philip Barantini says:

“I’m very excited to be working with World productions & ITV on this incredibly intense thriller. Can’t wait to get cracking with Niamh and the wonderful cast that we’ve assembled. Its going to be one heck of a ride and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be able to bring Grace’s words to life!”

Malpractice has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill, who will oversee production from the channel’s perspective.

Polly Hill commented:

“Grace’s scripts are a brilliant mix of compelling medical thriller and an authentic medical world that comes from her time as a doctor. They are also so accomplished that’s it’s hard to believe this is her first commissioned show. It’s wonderful to see how many new voices are making their first drama on ITV. We are all excited to see Niamh Algar take on the role of Lucinda. Together with the brilliant Philip Barantini and World Productions this promises to be something special.”

Malpractice is produced in association with, and distributed by, ITV Studios.

World Productions produced the highest rated dramas of 2021 on ITV and BBC1 in The Pembrokeshire Murders and Line of Duty and were responsible for producing the critically acclaimed drama, Anne, which aired on ITV earlier this year. World was awarded Best Independent Production Company at this year’s Broadcast Awards, having also won in 2019. It is part of ITV Studios.