**What has been said about Maternal?**

Maternal will be written by Jacqui Honess-Martin, an experienced director and theatre writer who is lending her talents to the small screen for the first time. Talking about the script and the series, ITV’s head of drama, Polly Hill, said: “Jacqui’s scripts are brilliant, and they perfectly capture how difficult it can be for women juggling family life, whilst under pressure at work, making critical life or death decisions.

“It’s hard to believe this is her first television drama. I’m thrilled Parminder, Lara and Lisa will lead our cast and to be working with Patrick Spence and James Griffiths on what promises to be a modern and engaging medical drama.”

Honess-Martin added: “I am thrilled to bring this funny, warm and quietly political story to ITV. It’s been humbling to have the opportunity to hear the stories of so many brave and brilliant female doctors working in the NHS over the past two years and I know the incredible team working on this show will do them proud.”

The drama will also be directed by well-known Bafta-nominated director James Griffiths, who has set up countless hit US series including Black-ish. He said of the new series: “The best material attracts the best talent so I feel so grateful that I get to collaborate with this incredible cast and crew to bring this authentic and relevant story to the screen.”

ITV’s Maternal: this emotional new medical drama stars Parminder Nagra, The Split’s Lara Pulver and Lisa McGrillis