Christopher Eccleston reveals the strong impact of The A Word
The cast now hope the show’s return can build on the huge success of the first series
When The A Word launched on BBC1 last spring, it was the first British TV drama ever to fully confront the effect that autism can have on families.
So successful was the first series, it’s back for another six episodes – and star Christopher Eccleston couldn’t be prouder of the show’s impact.
“I’ve been fortunate to have quite a long career and to have a relationship with the British public,” explains Christopher, 53, who plays Maurice Scott, the grandfather of autistic lad Joe.
“They’ll talk to you about various things, but I’ve never had a stronger reaction than I’ve had to The A Word. It’s very specific. They will say: ‘My son/grandchild/best friend is autistic.’ It happens everywhere I go.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by his co-star Morven Christie, 36. She plays Alison Hughes, mother to Joe (Max Vento) – who’s now seven and still happiest with his headphones on.
“Something really important happened when the first series went out,” she says.
“Something that was ‘other’ became mainstream. I think there was a real gratitude from the autism community.
"It’s only one child’s story, but having that in the mainstream was a big deal.
“I have a friend whose son is on the autistic spectrum.
"She lives in Glasgow and she sent me a message saying that her, her husband and her little boy had been on the Tube in London. He often wears headphones or ear defenders and she said: ‘People just smile at us now.’ The impact of that for her was transformative.”
As series two begins, Joe’s diagnosis is now out in the open, but that has presented its fair share of problems for the family.
“One of my favourite things that Peter [Bowker, the show’s writer] said is that autism, like dementia in a way, is about communication,” explains Christopher.
“All the members of this family are failing to communicate, whether they are on the autistic spectrum or not.”
And where in series one Alison was struggling while husband Paul was more relaxed, their roles now appear to have reversed.
“Alison is a very committed individual,” says Morven.
“In series one, there was this rebellion in her that was like: ‘If I fight this hard enough, I will make it okay.’ Now that has turned to acceptance, and surrounding herself with a community that understands her and supports Joe.
“She’s finding a joy in him and taking Joe’s lead. She has an amazing speech at the end of the first episode, which almost encapsulates her world view. It’s her manifesto for children who are different. She’s got her struggles within her relationship, but she’s found her purpose.”
“Paul wants to just bury his head in the sand,” reveals Lee Ingleby, 41, who plays Paul.
“‘It’ll all be fine, we’ve got a unit. We can do this.’ The big scene for me this series is when Paul admits he’s losing his grip. He’s not Joe’s hero now. Paul is not liking where his future is going.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Maurice’s relationship with local music teacher Louise means there are some funny scenes ahead.
“I love playing a grandpa,” Christopher smiles.
“I’m 53, you know! I like what this series does with us oldsters and our emotional and physical lives. It’s great. And with Pooky [Quesnel, who plays Louise] – we were at sixth-form college together.
"We did a play when I was 17.”
What’s more, the romance gives viewers another chance to see Christopher’s bare bum.
“I did a shot with director Danny Boyle in Shallow Grave and he called it The Eccleston Arse,’’ he laughs. “It was out in [1998 film] Elizabeth too. It’s just got bigger. So yes, I was happy to get my arse out.”
No ordinary Joe
Series two begins with Joe talking about autism. “There’s a whole debate about whether it’s better that the child knows their diagnosis or whether that label would limit them,” says writer Peter. “So that seemed a good place to start because ‘autistic’ is such an incendiary word. When Joe says it out loud, that scene never ceases to have an impact on me.”
NEW! The A Word, Tuesday, 9pm, BBC One