FilmNation Entertainment and The Mediapro Studio are producing an adaptation of Forever Home, a bestselling novel by Graham Norton, for 5 in the U.K.
The six-episode series, supported by the North East Production Fund and North East Screen, will star Amy Nuttall, Douglas Henshall, Denise Welch, Kevin Whately, Samantha Bond, Lewis Cope, Jenny Walser, Shane Zaza, and James Baxter. It was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer and head of scripted at Paramount UK, and Paul Testar, commissioning editor at 5.
Clara Salaman is writing the script and will EP alongside Norton as well as FilmNation Entertainment’s Kirstie Macdonald, who developed the project. Will Nicholson will produce the series. Erika Kennair and JC Acosta of The Mediapro Studio will EP. Directors are Paul Gay and Claire Winyard. The Mediapro Studio will also manage international distribution for the series.
“In writing Forever Home, I was initially inspired by the simple idea of packing up a home later in life, and the ‘what if’ scenarios and complexities that come with later-life relationships,” Norton said. “The novel soon evolved into a funny, twisted, ‘dark-romp’ full of farcical scenes, and it’s wonderful to see the depth and richness of Carol’s story realized as a screenplay.”
Testar said: “We’re delighted to partner with FilmNation and The Mediapro Studio to bring Graham Norton’s compelling novel to U.K. screens, supported by an outstanding cast. Working with North East Screen again to champion local filming has been a pleasure, and we can’t wait for viewers to immerse themselves in Forever Home.”
Macdonald, FilmNation TV’s U.K. creative director, remarked, “From the moment I read the always-hilarious Graham Norton’s brilliant novel, I knew I wanted to bring Forever Home to the screen. It’s a story full of twists and turns, secrets, and emotional depth that we can’t wait to bring to life for 5 audiences. We’re proud to collaborate with Clara Salaman, 5, and our partners at The Mediapro Studio on this thrilling adaptation and are grateful for the support of North East Screen.”
Filming in Northumberland, the series is set to air this year.
