Filming begins on new ITV drama

Tom Cullen (Downton Abbey) and Charlotte Randle (Silent Witness) join Ray Winstone and Amanda Redman in the cast announced for of new three-part ITV drama, The Trials of Jimmy Rose.

Ray Winstone stars as of the notorious armed robber Jimmy Rose, who throughout his lifetime has made crime pay, spending more time in prison than with the love of his life – his wife Jackie, played by Amanda Redman. Cullen and Randle play Jason and Julie’s adult children, Jimmy and Jackie. Montanna Thompson (The Story of Tracy Beaker) plays Ellie their granddaughter.

John Lynch (The Fall) has also been cast in the role of Steve McIntyre. Marion Bailey and Paul Jesson (both currently starring in Mr Turner), will play Jackie’s sister, Sue Anderson and Jimmy’s right hand man and life long friend Roy who is married to Sue.

Happy distant memories of Jimmy have been shattered by years of abandonment for Jackie, who no longer knows if she loves him, and for Jason, who has finally cut his Dad completely from his life, and wants nothing more to do with him.

During his latest stretch in prison Jimmy’s family have moved on with their lives. His years of taking them for granted have taken their toll and unexpectedly Jimmy won’t be on the receiving end of a universally warm welcome when released from prison this time.  Crucially, can Jimmy put his criminal life behind him and regain their respect and love by being a grandfather, a father and a husband, not a criminal?

The drama is written (episodes 1 & 2) and created by Alan Whiting (Strike Back, Wire in the Blood). Dom Shaw (Roman Mysteries, The Art of the Critic) has written the third episode.

Commented Ray Winstone: “Alan Whiting has created and written a gift of a role. I’m excited to be playing him and to be working with the great Amanda Redman.  She’s such a fine actress, and together with Adrian Shergold and the production team, I’m sure we’ll be able to bring Jimmy and Jackie to life.”

ITV Director of Drama Steve November said: “We’re delighted to have commissioned The Trials of Jimmy Rose and to have Ray and Amanda in the roles of Jimmy and Jackie. Alan Whiting has created an instantly memorable character, a man with too much to regret and not enough time to make amends.  He’s been a successful criminal but can he now become a successful husband and father?”

Filming of The Trials of Jimmy Rose has begun in the Manchester area.