First Broadcast
2000 - 2003
Episodes
27
Starring
Christopher Eccleston, Philip Glenister, Lesley Sharp, Emma Cunniffe, Diane Parish, David Morrissey, Sarah Lancashire
Background
Paul Abbott, the creator of State of Play and Shameless, devised this drama focusing on the employees of a northern textile factory, Mackintosh Textiles. Each episode revolved around a different character in the show, and starred some of the best in British acting talent.
The Story
The characters range from the charismatic factory owner Mack and Katherine, his beautiful young wife, to KT the lowliest member of the team. Issues such as crime, family disputes, unfaithful marriages, plastic surgery, gang violence and soured friendship all feature in the series.
Critical Acclaim
The series won multiple BAFTA and RTS Television awards.
After the Show
The series featured many actors who went on to have glittering careers. Extras and Ugly Betty star Ashley Jensen stars as Babs. Mark Benton had a small role as Colin Wilkes. One of Sarah Lancashire’s children in the series is played by Tina O’Brien, Coronation Streets Sarah-Louise, while Julian Rhind-Tutt appeared as Peter Cochrane in two episodes.
Trivia
Philip Glenister and John Simm were later to star together in both Paul Abbott’s State of Play and Life on Mars.
