Last year, the BBC confirmed it was working on Onward and Sideways, an emotional drama film that follows two unrelated people who are both diagnosed with Parkinson's disease on the same day.
Initially titled But When We Dance, the Norfolk-set show is due to arrive in cinemas and on iPlayer on an undisclosed date. A newly released synopsis teases: "Neither knows the other until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives: on the same morning, they are both confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson's."
The BBC has now released a first-look image at the drama, featuring Rhys Ifans and Laura Linney's characters as they walk along a beach following the diagnosis. Laura can be seen laughing during the intimate scene.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Hilltop Screen (One) LtdWho will be starring in Onward and Sideways?
No further details about Onward and Sideways' cast have been revealed other than what we already know. The drama will star Laura Linney and Rhys Ifans as Emma Dretzin and Tony Evans, respectively. Emma is a pianist, composer and mother to two children, while Tony is the deputy head of a local primary school.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAlso confirmed to have roles in film are Sherwood actor Monica Dolan and former James Bond star Rory Kinnear, but both of their roles are currently unconfirmed.
What has been said about Onward and Sideways?
Hilary Bevan Jones, who is a producer at Hilltop Screen, the company behind the drama, said: "Paul's [Mayhew-Archer] wonderful script has made me laugh, cry, and think about all that life has to offer.
"I hope this film will strike a chord with everyone, and I am thrilled that the peerless John Madden has brought together such an exceptional cast. Rhys and Laura will make a Tony and Emma who will touch the hearts of us all."
© BBC/Sam TaylorWriter Paul Mayhew-Archer, best known for his work on The Vicar of Dibley and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, had a personal reason for getting involved with the project. "In 2011, when I was 58 years old, I was told I had Parkinson's," he explained.
"It's incurable and it makes many of the things I do, walking, talking, smiling, increasingly difficult. But though I have reasons to hate Parkinson's, it has also brought me opportunities I wouldn't have missed for the world."
© GettyHe concluded: "The latest of these is the chance to work with the brilliant director John Madden and wonderful actors on bringing this story to life. So, thank you Parkinson's. My fingers may fumble, my mouth may mumble and each step I take may result in a stumble. But I cannot grumble."
