Watch: Jodie Whittaker hopes Toxic Town will be ‘powerful TV’ like Mr Bates Vs The Post Office

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Jodie Whittaker has said she hopes her new Netflix social justice drama Toxic Town can change lives in the same way as ITV’s Mr Bates Vs The Post Office did.

In 2024, Toby Jones starred as Alan Bates in the hit series that shone a light on the Post Office scandal, boosting a campaign for justice for those affected by it. Now, Whittaker is hoping that Toxic Town will have a similar effect for families caught up in Corby’s toxic waste case.

Toxic Town explores the stories of women who were affected by toxins from Corby’s steel works during pregnancy, leading to birth defects in their babies. Many of them had been accused of causing the defects themselves through lifestyle choices, but have since taken their case to the High Court.

Former Doctor Who star Whittaker told This Morning on Thursday “we know what powerful television can do” as she spoke about the effect that ITV’s Mr Bates had on the real people whose stories it told.

What, how and why?

Social justice is having a moment in TV drama, thanks in large part to the huge success of Mr Bates Vs The Post Office in 2024. Now, Whittaker is hoping that Corby will get its turn through Netflix’s Toxic Town.

Appearing alongside some of the women whose pregnancies were affected by toxic waste, she told This Morning: “We know what powerful television can do – last year was such a huge event (with Mr Bates Vs The Post Office) so you want to know that if you’re representing a real-life case that everybody feels represented.

“It’s the impact of social drama that has a life beyond its event.”

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Series writer Jack Thorne agrees with her, as he previously told Radio Times: “I think every writer in the social realism realm took a breath when (Mr Bates) came out, particularly when everyone said, ‘This is what TV drama can do!’ We’ve been trying to do that for years… B*****ds!

“But it was amazing seeing how far it reached and that’s the dream, because there’s a lingering sense that no one paid attention (to Corby).”

Whittaker added that it had been a no-brainer to say yes to starring in the drama as affected mother Susan McIntyre: “I think it’s one of those things where there isn’t really a question of whether you’re going to take it or not. Jack is such an extraordinary writer, he’s so detailed, he’s so respectful if it is material that has come from a real event. You know that the level of work that has gone into that is beyond, so the opening scene that you read, you’re in it, you want to do it.”

But she laughed: “From my point of view, I’m instantly terrified that the opening scene for me is karaoke in a Scottish accent.”

Whittaker admitted to some nerves before meeting the real-life McIntyre who is outspoken in the drama: “I think what was so wonderful for us – we met on set towards the end of filming, it was a big deal and we knew the day it would happen on, it was on a day I knew that I spoke so I was terrified because Susan didn’t strike me as someone who would keep her opinions to herself. It was very emotional for all of us.”

She added: “What I loved about playing Susan is that she is a lioness. You’ve got your cubs in your teeth and no matter how much someone is trying to keep you in a cage, you’re pushing out of it.”

What did viewers think of Toxic Town?

While Toxic Town got some mixed reactions from critics, viewers so far have loved the series. One person backed Whittaker’s hopes for the drama as they wrote: “#ToxicTown on @netflix is this year’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office. A powerful story about ordinary people fighting appalling injustice and corruption. Class performances all round and tight scripting. A true story of determination and resilience.”

Another fan commented on X: “Toxic Town on netflix is absolutely brilliant.” Another wrote: “#toxictown on @NetflixUK is a must watch!”

Someone else added: “Powerful storytelling with a gut-wrenching impact. This one’s going to stay with you long after the credits roll.”

Another viewer wrote: “TOXIC TOWN was exceptional. It’s not a run-of-the-mill biopic drama just to get you to cry over the mothers’ misfortune, but it’s also an engaging investigative drama with its emotional ups and downs. Jodie Whittaker was a firecracker with a lean mean feisty attitude.”

This Morning airs on ITV1 at 10am on weekdays.