A gripping new drama based on a real-life toxic waste scandal is set to hit , boasting a star-studded cast from the world of British TV and film. Toxic Town tells the story of a group of mothers who fought for justice, believing that toxic waste led to their babies being born with deformities in the 80s and 90s.
The series follows their battle against the Corby Borough Council, which carried out the demolition, excavation, and redevelopment of the former Stewarts and Lloyds site between 1984 and 1999. Open lorries spilt toxic sludge over the roads, and vast amounts of toxic dust polluted the air.
describes the series as a “story of community resilience in the face of institutional negligence and greed – and the power of parents’ love for their children”.
Toxic Town will be released in full on February 27 and features an extensive cast from across British TV including Doctor Who, Trainspotting, Outlander and Game of Thrones.
Who is in the cast of Toxic Town?
Jodie Whittaker as Susan, Aimee Lou Wood as Tracy in Toxic Town. (Image: Ben Blackall/Netflix)
Jodie Whittaker plays Susan McIntyre
Jodie Whittaker leads the cast as Susan McIntyre, a mother whose son, Connor, was born with a deformed hand.
Whittaker is best known for her role as the Thirteenth Doctor in Doctor Who, as well as appearances in Broadchurch, Trust Me, Black Mirror, Attack the Block and Time.
Aimee Lou Wood plays Tracey Taylor
Aimee Lou Wood portrays the real-life Corby mum Tracey Taylor, who was impacted by the toxic waste scandal when her daughter was born with severe organ deformities and later passed away. Aimee Lou Wood has seen significant success in recent years due to her breakout role in Sex Education, leading to roles in Daddy Issues, The White Lotus, and Living.
Claudia Jessie plays Maggie Mahon
Claudia Jessie takes on the role of Maggie Mahon, another mother affected by the toxic waste scandal, whose child was also born with a birth defect. Claudia previously starred in Call the Midwife, Doctors, Line of Duty, Doctor Who, and notably as Eloise Bridgerton in Bridgerton.
Robert Carlyle plays Sam Hagen
Robert Carlyle plays Sam Hagen, a former council worker and then deputy leader of the council who later revealed information about a cover-up regarding the toxic waste. The real-life Sam Hagen sadly passed away in October 2022.
Robert Carlyle is widely recognised for his roles as Begbie in the Trainspotting films and Gaz in The Full Monty, along with appearances in The World Is Not Enough, 28 Weeks Later, 24, Cobra and Stargate Universe.
Brendan Coyle and Robert Carlyle clash in Toxic Town (Image: Netflix)
Brendan Coyle playsRoy Thomas
Brendan Coyle portrays Roy Thomas, the head of the local council overseeing the redevelopment project.
Roy is not a real character but rather an ‘amalgamation’ of people and views that were on the council at the time. Nominated for an Emmy for his work in Downton Abbey as John Bates, Brendan Coyle has since returned for the Downton Abbey films.
Coyle has also appeared in Murdoch Mysteries, 12 Monkeys, Requiem and Finders Keepers.
Susan McIntyre (Jodie Whittaker) took on a David and Goliath battle for justice about the waste scandal (Image: Netflix)
Rory Kinnear plays Des Collins
Rory Kinnear, known for his role as Bill Tanner in the James Bond franchise and Dave Fishwick in the Bank of Dave films, takes on the character of Des Collins in Toxic Town. Collins is a solicitor who steps forward to represent the impacted mothers considering legal action against the council.
Kinnear’s other notable roles include appearances in The Imitation Game, Black Mirror, The Diplomat, Years and Years, and the second series of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Des (Rory Kinnear) represents the affected mothers in Toxic Town. (Image: Netflix)
Who else is in the cast of Toxic Town?
The wider cast includes:
- Stephen McMillan (Boiling Point)
- Lauren Lyle (Outlander)
- Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones)
- Michael Socha (This Is England)
- Karla Crome (Carnival Row)