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Breathtaking, ITV’s new three-part drama, lifts the lid on the Covid-19 crisis and stars Joanne Froggatt as a hospital consultant on the frontline
Breathtaking is written by Line of Duty’s Jed Mercurio, writer and actor Prasanna Puwanarajah and Rachel Clarke – who are all medical doctors. A harrowing drama set during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, inspired by Doctor Rachel Clarke’s memoir – it is hard-hitting and emotionally challenging. Joanne Froggatt, 43, explains why she felt compelled to take part.
Why did you want to be involved in Breathtaking?
The scripts just blew me away. I actually cried just reading them. I’ve played roles that have tackled sensitive subject matters before, but this is a lived experience for the entire world.
Tell us about your character, Dr Abbey Henderson?
She is an NHS consultant in acute medicine. Abbey is very caring with a husband and two children at home. And she cares about her patients.
What happens to her as the drama unfolds?
We see her trying not to drown emotionally because she knows she can only help people if she stays afloat herself. Most of the doctors I’ve spoken to for research say the same. Covid-19 was completely unknown. I see it as more like fighting a war with something you can’t see.
What was is like filming the drama in PPE?
It just brought it home. In real life you can’t go to the loo, you can�
