Life’s Alison Steadman defends ‘very uncomfortable’ scenes where Gail leaves husband despite his terminal illness
LIFE'S Alison Steadman has defended her "very uncomfortable" scenes where Gail leaves husband despite being terminally ill.
The 74-year-old actress, who is most well known for her role as Pam Shipman in the hit comedy Gavin and Stacey, has currently taken on the role of Gail in the new BBC drama.
The six-part series follows a group of people living in the same building divided into four flats and highlights just how different life can be for everyone.
In the run-up to Alison's onscreen alter-ego's 70th birthday, she questions everything she's done in life, especially her relationship with Henry (Peter Davison) as he likes to belittle and patronise her.
Although some may think that Gail's decision to leave her husband was out of order, the star has justified her characters decision.
She added: "It's good to tell this story, and I think a lot of people at home will recognise that, and know someone in that position.
MORE ON BBC
"And maybe there will be some watching who feel for Henry and say, 'I think she is being unfair, maybe she should shut up and get on with it, you know she's had a brilliant life, what is she talking about?' And that's their prerogative."
Alison believes that many people at home watching their telly will be able to relate to what they're watching and it will be able to help them.
She added: "I think so many people will identify with these characters, and they'll feel for them. Some of the situations are very uncomfortable and may make people squirm.
"And as I say, I think audiences will either side with Gail or Henry, and will be shouting 'Don't you say that!' at the screen. There will be all these mixed emotions, and hopefully audiences will go on journey."
Most read in Drama
The show is a spin-off of the much-acclaimed Doctor Foster, and features some of the same cast plus some star-studded new names.
These include: Hustle's Adrian Lester, Hollyoaks' Saira Choudhry, Corrie's Melissa Johns, Calvin Demba and Joshua James.
A BBC announcement on the series read: "As each of the four stories unfold and intertwine in surprising ways, they tell a larger story about what happens when we step out of our personal space and take a closer look into other people’s lives.
"Life explores love, loss, birth, death, the ordinary, the extraordinary and everything in between."
Life is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer