is set to captivate audiences on Sunday evening with the premiere of its latest gripping drama, Playing Nice. The show delves into the lives of two couples who are rocked by the revelation that their toddlers were mistakenly swapped at birth.
The narrative unfolds in the picturesque setting of Cornwall, where the parents are confronted with an agonising choice: should they continue to raise the children they have nurtured and grown to love, or make the heart-wrenching decision to swap them for their biological offspring?
The stellar cast features of fame as Pete, with Niamh Algar portraying his other half, Maddie. James McArdle and Jessica Brown Findlay bring to life the roles of the second couple, Miles and Lucy.
An intriguing synopsis hints that while the couples initially seem to find common ground on how to handle the situation, it soon becomes apparent that there are ulterior motives in play.
The teaser suggests a web of trust issues, hinting: “How far can each couple trust the real parents of their child or even each other? As Pete and Maddie are stretched to breaking point, they realise they will stop at nothing to keep their family together.”
ITV Playing Nice’s James Norton ‘went to dark place’ for chilling role in new drama (Image: ITV)
James Norton has opened up about the intense emotional arc his character experiences, admitting that it was a challenging part to embody, reports
He made the candid admission: “The role is emotionally challenging to play, and it takes you to a dark yet unusual place. Stories about bereavement, heartbreak or grief are more familiar.
“This is a story which encapsulates all of those various forms of pain, but to find out that your child is not your own, is not an experience which people have often.”
The talented thespian noted his character’s ordeal is particularly harrowing and unprecedented, making comparisons with others difficult.
The four-part drama follows the story of two couple’s who have had their toddlers swapped at birth (Image: ITV)
James elaborated further: “There’s not endless books or avenues to have a chat with others who’ve gone through the same thing. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare and that has been the challenge.
“To think about what one would go through if this happened, knowing that there aren’t that many examples or experiences similar, and then trying to predict what that would feel like.
“Any type of story where you have to go to those dark places is challenging because you have to extract yourself from your relatively comfortable existence and investigate the darker side of life. You have to tap into pain, suffering and fear and that’s always a challenge.”
The actor teased the ITV drama will make viewers ask questions about parenthood (Image: ITV)
When questioned about the journey he wishes for viewers, the actor suggested that the series may prompt audiences to reflect deeply on parenthood, and the intricate debate surrounding nature versus nurture.
He further commented: “Initially, we want them to really feel that panic, that feeling of dread that Maddie and Pete have. I want them to appreciate their relationship with their children or their own parents and to know that they are their own relationships, biological or not.”
Playing Nice will premiere on ITV1 on Sunday, January 5 at 9pm.