Christopher Eccleston and Paula Malcomson to star in new BBC drama Come Home

Paula Malcomson

Christopher Eccleston is set to star alongside Paula Malcomson in new BBC drama Come Home. The show will question what it takes for a mother to walk out on her family, leaving her children behind.

Christopher Eccleston is set to star alongside Paula Malcomson in new BBC drama Come Home.

Written by Danny Brocklehust, Come Home explores the messy realities of parenthood, marriage and what happens when a mother switches the 'reset' button on her life.

Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, the drama will focus on a family reeling; from mother Marie, played by Paula Malcomson (Ray Donovan, Broken) who has made the hardest decision of her life, to her bereft husband Greg, played by Christopher Eccleston (The A Word, Fortitude) and their three children.

Christopher Eccleston

Christopher Eccleston will play Greg, whose wife Marie has left him with their three children

In a statement, Christopher said: “I'm very proud to be working with Danny Brocklehurst, RED Production Company, the BBC and Paula Malcomson on this challenging and provocative drama.”

Paula added: “After working in the US for 25 years I am thrilled to back home working for the second time in a year with the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen telling working class stories for a thinking, feeling audience.”

The series asks the question: what does it take for a mother to walk out on her family, leaving her children behind? What impact does it have and how do others judge her? At the heart of the series is an emotional mystery: why did Marie flee?

Writer Danny Brocklehurst said: “Chris and Paula are two of the UK's finest actors and I couldn't be more thrilled to have them in Come Home. The drama takes Greg and Marie on a hugely emotional journey as it explores the fallout from a mother leaving her children and it requires actors of their calibre to pull it off. I've been a fan of Chris Eccleston ever since I first saw him in Cracker and have wanted to work with him my entire career. Paula is a stunning character actress who brings credibility and depth to every role she plays. Their combination promises to be amazing.”