Channel 4 has announced a new six-part police crime drama, ‘Patience,’ starring Laura Fraser and Ella Maisy Purvis. The series, adapted from the French program ‘Astrid and Raphaelle,’ is set in York and centers on Patience Evans (Purvis), a young autistic woman working in the criminal records department of Yorkshire Police. With a passion for criminology and an instinctive eye for crime scenes, Patience yearns for more than her solitary job.
Detective Bea Metcalf (Fraser) recognizes Patience’s talent and provides her with an opportunity to enter a new world. ‘Patience’ explores their unique working relationship and the friendship that develops as they investigate crimes together.
“Patience offers an intriguing mystery and a unique perspective,” said Laura Fraser. “It also looks at the dynamic between Bea and Patience, who experience and interpret the world differently.”
Ella Maisy Purvis, who herself is neurodivergent, expressed her excitement at portraying Patience, a character she described as “authentic, nuanced, and challenging to neuro-typical norms.” “I’m thrilled to bring Patience to life and showcase her depth, intelligence, and unwavering passion for justice,” she added.
Jo McGrath, Chief Creative Officer of Eagle Eye Drama, the production company behind ‘Patience,’ praised the series for its strong protagonist and the talented Purvis, who “will captivate audiences.” Ben Wadey of Channel 4 emphasised the network’s pride at championing “this ground-breaking series, which celebrates the power of difference, offering viewers a fresh take on the crime genre.”
‘Patience’ is a co-production of JLA Productions and has been filmed in York and Belgium. Beta Film will distribute it worldwide. Maarten Moerkerke directs, while Matt Baker leads a writing team that includes individuals with personal experience relating to autism.
