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Casting has been announced and the first images released of the BBC adaptation of This is Going to Hurt (Picador), with Ben Whishaw starring as Adam Kay, the book's author.
The co-production with AMC, which has just wrapped filming, features seven 45-minute episodes for BBC One and iPlayer and follows a 12-way auction for TV rights, held in 2017.
It follows Kay as he wends his way through the ranks of hospital hierarchy, junior enough to suffer the crippling hours, but senior enough to face a constant barrage of terrifying responsibilities. “Adam is clinging to his personal life as he is increasingly overwhelmed by stresses at work: the 97-hour weeks, the life and death decisions, and all the while knowing the hospital parking meter is earning more than him,” the BBC said.
Whishaw is joined by newcomer Ambika Mod as Shruti, a young junior doctor just starting in obstetrics and gynaecology. Naturally bright, diligent and caring, she has everything it takes to be a great doctor, but the job still finds ways to throw her into chaos and doubt.
Michele Austin of “The Casual Vacancy” plays Tracy, a confident, sharp-witted senior midwife, and Bafta-nominated “The Crown” star Alex Jennings plays Mr Lockhart, a consultant and Kay’s domineering boss.
Kadiff Kirwan plays Julian, Kay's colleague and professional rival, while Ashley McGuire appears as Miss Houghton, a formidable and forthright consultant who spots potential in Shruti. Harriet Walter plays Veronique, Kay's mother; Rory Fleck Byrne plays Kay's boyfriend Harry; and Tom Durant-Pritchard is Kay's best friend Greg.
The series has been created, written and executive-produced by Kay. It was commissioned by Piers Wenger, director of BBC Drama, is executive-produced by Naomi de Pear and Jane Featherstone for Sister, James Farrell for Terrible Productions, Mona Qureshi for BBC One, as well as Kristin Jones and Dan McDermott for AMC. Whishaw also serves as executive producer.