Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan take the roles of Anne and John Darwin in ITV's The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe
26/04/2021
Renowned actors, Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan, will play Anne and John Darwin in the extraordinary and compelling ITV drama, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe.
The real life story of how John Darwin, played by BIFA nominee Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan, Sherlock Holmes, Happy Go Lucky) faked his own death to claim life insurance and avoid bankruptcy is written by acclaimed screenwriter Chris Lang.
Commented Chris Lang:
I am beyond delighted to be working with two of the finest actors of their generation. I have admired them both from afar for many years (not in a creepy way though) and cannot wait to see them bring Anne and John Darwin to life.
The drama will focus on how Anne Darwin, played by BAFTA-winner Monica Dolan (Appropriate Adult, W1A, A Very English Scandal), became complicit in her husband's deception as she started to convince the world, their family and friends, the police and insurance companies, that he had gone missing in 2002 whilst canoeing off the coast of Seaton Carew in Cleveland, where the couple owned two large houses with panoramic views of the sea.
The deception was to take its toll on Anne who lied to their sons, Mark and Anthony, for five years whilst her husband, in the early days of the fraud, secretly lived in a bedsit next door to the home he shared with Anne.
Devastated by the loss of their father, neither son had an inkling their parents were capable of such treachery. Anne and John Darwin eventually decided to leave Seaton Carew and move to Panama City to start a new life together before their secret was exposed by the discovery of an infamous photo of them posing in a Panama real estate office in July 2006.
At her trial Anne Darwin pleaded not guilty, arguing that she had been coerced into the plot by her husband, but the jury didn't believe her. She and her husband were both jailed for more than 6 years.
The four-part drama commences filming in the North East this month and is produced by Story Films, the company founded by three times BAFTA-winner David Nath (The Murder Detectives, My Name is Lizzie) and fellow award-winning director Peter Beard. Susie Liggat (Giri/Haji) also executive produces, with Alison Sterling (The Windermere Children) producing.
They will be joined by the celebrated screenwriter of Unforgotten and Innocent Chris Lang (The Hookup Plan, Dark Heart, A Mother's Son) who also executive produces the four part series. BAFTA winning director, Richard Laxton, (Honour, Mrs Wilson, Mum) directs each of the four episodes.
The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe is based upon the unpublished manuscript written by journalist David Leigh who was the first journalist to track down Anne as she was on the verge of setting up a new life in Panama.
Monica Dolan and Eddie Marsan will be joined in the cast by Mark Stanley (White House Farm) and Karl Pilkington (Sick of It, Derek).
Commented Eddie Marsan:
I'm so thrilled to be working with Chris Lang, one of our greatest writers and to get the chance to work with Monica Dolan. The story of how and why John Darwin faked his own death to defraud insurance companies is fascinating, and if it weren't fact, you'd think it unbelievable. I can't pretend to understand what was going on in his head when he made those choices, but I'm going to do my absolute best to portray him, and I can't wait to get started.
Commented Monica Dolan:
The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe tells the story of surely the most outrageous fraud of modern times - and my favourite kind of drama is when the outrageous comes from the prosaic. As breath-taking as their managing to pull this deception off in the first place, is how spectacularly the couple wrecked it for themselves as soon as they had got away with it.
London based independent production company, Story Films, was created by David Nath and Peter Beard with the aim of producing creative, bold and thought-provoking programmes.
The drama has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Polly Hill and will be produced in association with All3Media International.
All3Media International represents the show internationally.
Eddie Marsan is represented by Markham, Froggatt & Irwin and UTA. Monica Dolan is represented by Will Hollinshead at Independent Talent.
LINK: | https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/monica-dolan-and-eddie-... |
See more stories from itv |
More from ITV
15/01/2022
Bagpipes is unmasked as Pat Cash on tonight's The Masked Singer
Tonight viewers watched Bagpipes. Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda and Traffic Cone perform. After all had taken to the stage, Poodle and Bagpipes faced the sing-off...
11/01/2022
Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios
Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios Arjan Pomper is today appointed as Managing Director, Global Entertainment ITV Studios,...
11/01/2022
Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire
Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire ITV detective drama, Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role, has begun filming in ...
10/01/2022
Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet
Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet Oti Mabuse is swapping glitter balls for Cupid's arrows as she takes the re...
08/01/2022
Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer
Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer Tonight viewers watched Firework, Mushroom, Lionfish, Doughnuts and Robobunny perform. ...
02/01/2022
Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener
Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener The Masked Singer is underway for 2022 with six of the 12 brand-new characters making their de...
02/01/2022
Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer
Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer Tonight viewers met the final six masked celebrities, Bagpipes, Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda, ...
29/12/2021
Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021
Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 Torrin from Oxfordshire was crowned champion of ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 competition. The 14-year-old who was m...
22/12/2021
Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice
Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice Oti Mabuse is to join the Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub in January 2022. She'...
19/12/2021
Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022
Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard Adele, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Dave up for four BRIT awards - who alongside Sam Fender will bat...
17/12/2021
ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021
ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021 Figures released today show that 2021 is lining up to be ITV Hub's biggest year yet, thanks to Euro 2...
17/12/2021
ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas
ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas ITV released today a first look at festive special, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which ...
11/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video) All campmates take on the legendary Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Cel...
10/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video) Mattys in a lather as he takes on todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - ...
09/12/2021
ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win
ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today their first full length promotional trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win. Not only...
09/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video) Danny and David face the latest Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Drawbridg...
09/12/2021
ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches
ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches The Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round returns to ITV with four live matches on its main channel as Premier...
08/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video) Danny and Simon team up for todays Christmas-themed Trial Santas - Grotty Grotto Wat...
07/12/2021
Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas
Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christma...
07/12/2021
Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France
Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France Paris, London, December 7th 2021 - Thierry Lachkar has today been named as the CEO of ITV Studios France. He take...
07/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video) Frankie is in a spin in todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - The Grim G...
06/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video) Kadeena and Louise team up to take on Critter-cal Cages in tonights Im A Celebrity... Ge...
05/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gross Vegas. Watch and embed this video on...
04/12/2021
First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win
First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today the first look promo of Limitless Win, Ant & Decs first new show in over 10 years. Watch and e...
04/12/2021
ITV unveils the looks everyone will be talking about in 2022 as The Masked Singer characters are announced in this season's hottest reveal
Prepare to commence the new year with more cries of take it off!' as The Ma...
04/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video) David, Naughty Boy and Adam tackle todays devilish Trial - Cells of Hell Watch and e...
03/12/2021
ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific
ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific 1st December 2021 - ITV Studios has today announced a host of deals in Asia Pacific fo...
03/12/2021
ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multiple Love Island deals
ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multip...
03/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gruesome Gargoyles. Watch and embed this ...
02/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video) Frankie and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial, Castle Scary-Oke. Watch and embed this...
01/12/2021
ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message
ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message The UK's most recognised mental health campaign returns ITV and STV's groundbre...
01/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video) Naughty Boy, Adam and Simon take on The Savage Stakeout in tonights Im A Celebrity......
30/11/2021
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows stream on ITV Hub ahead of broadcast
Christmas comes early on ITV Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows ...
30/11/2021
ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV documentary, Storming The Capitol
ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV do...
30/11/2021
The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service
The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service The Duchess of Cambridge will host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th Dec...
30/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video) Kadeena and Arlene do tonights Trial (Bed Chamber of Chills) on a brand new Im A Celeb...
26/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video) Naughty Boy gets a shock as he takes on tonights Im A Celebrity... Get Met Out Of Here!...
25/11/2021
ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand-new second series in Spring 2022.
Kate and Koji ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand...
25/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video) New arrivals Simon and Adam take on Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!s Castle Sca...
24/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video) Richard Madeley takes on tonights Trial - Castle Kitchen Nightmares Watch and embed...
24/11/2021
ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as Noele Gordon
ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as N...
24/11/2021
ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lewis & Partners
ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lew...
24/11/2021
ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs
ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs ITV announces the launch of ITV Adlabs - a new enterprise and strategy to bring together all of ITV Commercial's innova...
23/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video) The public voted for Snoochie to take part in tonights Trial - Treacherous Traps Watc...
22/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video) Danny and Snoochie go head to head in tonights hilarious Trial called - The Castles Dre...
21/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video) Louise, Naughty Boy, Snoochie and Danny undertake one of tonights challenges - The Plan...
18/11/2021
ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant
Help save and improve up to three lives with just an hour of your time: ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant ITV2's ...
18/11/2021
David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios
Executive producer of critically-acclaimed HBO and BBC drama, Industry, David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios 5 Acts ...
17/11/2021
Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK
Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK Angela Jain has today been named ITV Studios' first Director of Unscripted in the UK. ...
15/11/2021
ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary
ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary from Fremantle UK ITV has commissioned Fremantle UK to produce a new documentary film on Ghislaine Maxwell featur...