Claire Skinner, Clare Higgins, Nicola Stephenson and Antonia Thomas lead the cast in an emotional and compelling drama.

Nicola Stephenson

ITV have announced the cast for a new 6 x 60 minute contemporary drama series Homefront.

Starring; Claire Skinner (Outnumbered), Clare Higgins (The Golden Compass), Nicola Stephenson (Strike Back) and Antonia Thomas (Misfits), Homefront will portray four profound and remarkable wives and girlfriends of soldiers serving in war-torn Afghanistan.

Created by Sue Teddern (Birds Of A Feather) who will write the series with Jan McVerry (Clocking Off, The Street) and Joe Turner (Robin Hood, Coronation Street), the series cast also includes; George Costigan, Chris Reilly, Lorraine Ashbourne, Warren Brown and Greg Wise.

“Homefront is a unique and contemporary show highlighting the women and families left behind whilst their loved ones risk life and limb on the front line. Homefront will hopefully throw a light on the difficulties they face and the wonderful spirit they draw on to help each other through it. Our fantastic ensemble cast, alongside lead director Terry McDonough, will deliver big emotional stories told through four compelling women,” said producer Kim Crowther.

Paula Raveley (Higgins) a veteran army wife is glad to be on civvy street with husband Howard (George Costigan). She’s beyond proud that her precious younger son Matt has headed out to Helmand to serve alongside his brother Tom (Chris Reilly), but she doesn’t always see eye to eye with Matt’s young wife, Tasha (Thomas). After a troubled upbringing by single mum Cheryl (Lorraine Ashbourne) Tasha’s even more determined to prove herself as a brilliant wife and good mother to toddler son, Alfie.

Louise Mancetta (Stephenson) was an Army nurse so she knows this high-octane world from both sides. She met her husband Joe (Warren Brown) during a particularly gruelling six month tour of Afghanistan and didn’t return to her duties after maternity leave having had two beautiful girls, Hannah and Grace. Although married to a soldier, Louise is not solely defined by her husband’s rank and reputation, like some of the women on the patch.

Claire Marshbrook (Skinner) is an Officer’s wife in the making. She met widowed Major Peter Bartham (Greg Wise) on a dating website and moved towns to be with him. Not only does Claire have to adjust to giving up her own career but faces the challenge of being a Major’s wife and the demands of being a step-mother to Pete’s wayward 15-year-old daughter, Millie (Rosie Day), who firmly resents her and Claire’s teenage son, Sam (Ceallach Spellman).

Joining International and award-winning Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad, The Street) to direct Homefront will be Ian Bevitt (Coronation Street, The Chase) and Morag Fullarton (Scott & Bailey, At Home with the Braithwaites), Producer is Kim Crowther (Coronation Street)

Filming for Homefront will take place on location in Manchester and Cheshire.