ITV commissions new medical drama Malpractice

Niamh Algar will star in new ITV medical thriller ‘Malpractice’.

The five-part drama will be executive produced by Simon Heath, CEO of World Productions, and will star BAFTA nominee actress Niamh, who is "over the moon" about the programme.

She said: "I’m thrilled to be a part of this project. I was blown away by Grace Ofori-Attah's script and the team attached in creating 'Malpractice'. I’m a huge fan of Phil Barantini’s work, his movie 'Boiling Point' is an astonishing piece of work and I’m so excited to see how he approaches 'Malpractice'.

"I’m absolutely over the moon that we are working together on this special series."

Simon added: “Grace’s brilliant scripts combine a searing insight into the pressures and politics of hospital life with a gripping and timely thriller. It’s those terrific scripts that have attracted talent of the calibre of Phil and Niamh. We’re thrilled to be working with them all.”

The series which has been commissioned by ITV’s head of drama, Polly Hill, and has been written by former doctor Grace Ofori-Attah, who worked in the NHS for over 10 years.

Grace said: “I’d worked as an NHS doctor for over a decade when I first came to World with an idea that would become 'Malpractice'.

"'Malpractice' explores the inevitable pressure-cooker created when doctors under investigation are forced to second-guess their clinical decisions, justify their every action but carry on with the day job as normal.

"It has been an absolute joy and privilege creating 'Malpractice' with the team at World, who are well-versed in creating drama that’s endlessly entertaining and surprising, and I can’t wait to see it on screen.”

Polly added: “Grace’s scripts are a brilliant mix of compelling medical thriller and an authentic medical world that comes from her time as a doctor.

"They are also so accomplished that’s it’s hard to believe this is her first commissioned show. It’s wonderful to see how many new voices are making their first drama on ITV. We are all excited to see Niamh Algar take on the role of Lucinda.

"Together with the brilliant Philip Barantini and World Productions this promises to be something special.”