ITV orders ‘heartwarming’ drama about transgender child from ‘Home Fires’ producer

Anna Friel will star in a new mini-series from the producer of Home Fires and the makers of Our Zoo.

Written by Garrow’s Law creator Tony Marchant, the drama will follow the story of an 11-year-old boy, Max, who makes the huge decision that he wants to live life as a girl.

Butterfly is described as “a powerful family drama about this life changing decision in a boy so young – how do you decide what is best for your child as you try to support and protect him?”

Pushing Daisies star Anna Friel will play Max’s mum, Vicky.

ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill commented: “Butterfly is a beautiful story about a young boy on the cusp of puberty who doesn’t feel comfortable in his own body.

“It’s a heartwarming and emotional script from Tony Marchant that focuses upon gender identity and one boy’s search to be recognised for who he really is.”

Executive producer Nicola Shindler added: “It is great to work with Tony again on such a moving and warm drama that will touch the hearts of viewers with the universal themes of acceptance, inclusivity and unconditional love.

“Tony’s got a great knack of creating real and relatable characters whose stories strike a chord but also have such drama, making his work so compelling.”

Butterfly will begin filming in Manchester in early 2018, directed by Anthony Byrne (The Last Kingdom) and produced by Louise Sutton (Home Fires, Death in Paradise).