BBC One’s Three Families Sets Cast

Sinéad Keenan (Little Boy Blue), Lola Petticrew (Bloodlands), Amy James-Kelly (Gentleman Jack) and Genevieve O’Reilly (The Dry) are on board for the BBC One drama Three Families.

Three Families explores the issues around abortion in Northern Ireland and the experiences of families whose lives have been profoundly affected. Written by Gwyneth Hughes (Doing Money, Vanity Fair) and directed by Alex Kalymnios (The White Princess, Being Human), Three Families is made by Studio Lambert, an All3Media company behind the series Three Girls and The Nest for BBC One.

The two-part drama was previously known under the working title When it Happens To You. The series’ global partner is All3Media International.

Hughes commented: “I knew the law was different, but I had no idea what that really meant until I went to Northern Ireland and met some of the families involved. I’ve been deeply touched by their experiences and feel honored to be asked to share their stories. I think the contributors will all be moved, as I am, by the extraordinary truthfulness and emotional depth that these wonderful actors bring to their stories.”

Piers Wenger, director of BBC Drama, said: “Abortion is a complex and emotive subject, and it continues to divide opinion in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Following months of detailed research, Gwyneth and the Studio Lambert team will help audiences get an insight into how abortion law has affected many different women and their families. Their stories are powerful, personal and memorable.”