Ben Whishaw to Star in ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ for the BBC

This Is Going to Hurt is coming to the BBC and AMC, from production companies Sister (Chernobyl, Gangs of London) and Terrible Productions.

Ben Whishaw, best known for his roles in A Very English Scandal and Mary Poppins Returns, will star as the author of the memoir, Adam Kay. Lucy Forbes (The End of the F***ing World) has joined the series as lead director.

Based on a best-selling memoir by Adam Kay (who has adapted the memoir for screen), the eight-episode dramatisation of This Is Going To Hurt sees Adam (Whishaw) navigate his way through the hospital’s tricky hierarchy, which positions Adam as junior enough to  work extensive hours but also senior enough to face a long list of frightening responsibilities. He attempts to balance a personal life with 97-hour weeks of literal life-and-death decisions, and dealing with red tape and bureaucracy.

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President of original programming at AMC and co-president of AMC Studios, Dan McDermott said:

“As we continue to search for unique voices and uncover authentic and rarely seen worlds, we’re proud to once again partner with the remarkable creative team at Sister on this timely series focusing a lens on the societal and cultural issues surrounding the health care system. Adam has provided insightful source material with This Is Going to Hurt, laying a foundation for a topical, darkly comedic and breathtakingly poignant series, and we’re thrilled to welcome established talent both in front of and behind the camera with Ben Whishaw and Lucy Forbes on board.”

Ben Whishaw added:

“I am proud to join this exciting adaptation of Adam Kay’s terrific book This Is Going to Hurt based on his experiences working in the NHS. It’s an honest, hilarious, heart-breaking look at the great institution and the army of unsung heroes who work there under the most stressful conditions. The COVID-19 crisis has now shed even more light on their great work and underlines the necessity to support the NHS and its workers. I look forward to telling this story with director Lucy Forbes and the great team at Sister to bring Adam’s words to life and I am really grateful to be a part of it.”