Caroline Hollick, Channel 4 head of drama, said: “Truelove is a unique, poignant and darkly funny series which deals with big themes around regrets at the paths not taken, quality of life and serious illness.”

Lindsay Duncan, who took over the role of Phil after Julie Walters had to pull out due to medical reasons, said: “When I read the Truelove scripts I knew I wanted to be involved. I say involved because the obvious thing is that Phil is a great part – an intelligent, tough and complex woman – but also I want to be a part of this project. It’s so well written, exploring what we face when age becomes a factor. How do we want to live, die and love with the remaining years? It tells a compelling story with humanity and very dark humour. The cast is terrific. It’s original and ambitious. Excited is an overused word in this context, but I really am.”

And Clarke Peters, who plays Ken, added: “If your friend reached a soul-destroying level of decrepitude, could you help them transition, if asked? Would it be right, would it be noble, could you do it? Which of that internal triumvirate do you listen to: your head, heart or soul? You know it is illegal in law and scripture to take a life, but could you do it? Iain and Charlie’s story explores that moral dilemma in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s funny, it’s dark and it’s full of twists and turns. And damn! To tell this story, with this cast, was something I would have dreaded missing out on…Roll on ‘action’!”

Truelove, Channel 4’s new ‘thriller with a twist’, is a love story mixed with a big moral question