Adopted at birth, Joe is overwhelmed by an obsessive desire to trace his real parents after the birth of his daughter. When he discovers that his mother and father are mentally challenged and are not aware they had a child, his world is blown apart. For Joe as well as his wife Cath, it’s the beginning of a rollercoaster journey that challenges not only his preconceptions about disability, but also his sense of his own identity.

Written by Peter Bowker, Christopher Eccleston and Emma Cunniffe star in Flesh and Blood, which tells the story of a father whose world is turned upside down when he discovers the truth about his origins.

Peter Bowker spent 12 years as a special needs teacher before becoming a full-time writer. His writing credits include Undercover Heart (nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series) and Christmas Carol. Said Bowker, "In Flesh and Blood I wanted to explore what it feels like to believe that you’ve got no history, that your history starts with you. How would it affect you, how far would it throw you?"

Nicola Shindler, Red Production Company says “I’ve only worked on straight dramas with actors before, so Flesh and Blood was a unique and rewarding experience. We had to respond to real people and incorporate their idiosyncrasies into the story. My concern was that while we worked truthfully with Pete and Dorothy, we keep the drama to the forefront and not make a documentary. So story was always key and this in turn makes the drama entertaining as well as real.”

The key roles of Joe’s birth mother and father - Janet and Harry - are played by Dorothy Cockin and Peter Kirby from a local amateur dramatics group, who were cast after an extensive search among people with learning disabilities in the north west of England. Flesh and Blood also features Barbara Marten (Bob and Rose) and Stephen Graham (Snatch, Gangs of New York).

Directed by: Julian Farino

Julian Farino is a British film and television director. Farino has directed several shows both in the United States and in the United Kingdom most of them being for HBO. Farino is a producer on the HBO television series, Entourage of which he is also a regular director.

Contact: Sue Keatley

Website: www.redproductioncompany.com