MRS WILSON
BBC1, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER, 9PM
This three-part drama is a unique project. It not only stars Ruth Wilson, of The Affair and Luther fame, but is also based on the extraordinary true story of her own grandmother, who she plays in the series. Set in 1960s London, with extended flashbacks to the 1940s when the key characters met, the narrative focuses on how Ruth’s grandma, Alison Wilson, was happily married to her husband Alec, until he died. However, soon after, a woman turns up on her doorstep claiming that she was also married to him and is the real Mrs Wilson. So, while her two grown-up sons are mourning the loss of their father, Alison is trying to prove that she is the only valid wife and widow of Alec (Iain Glen) – but his secrets soon come tumbling out. To add to the extreme levels of intrigue, the real Alec was not only an academic and writer, but also a secret service officer who served in the First World War, and then engaged in mysterious espionage before moving to India to work as a Professor of English Literature, where he also began writing best-selling spy novels.
The drama is based on a memoir about the whole incredible saga, written by Ruth’s grandmother Alison. It’s smartly adapted by writer Anna Symons, and directed with absolute clarity by Richard Laxton (Him & Her, Mum). Also starring Keeley Hawes and Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), it was produced with help from Alec Wilson’s surviving children. It’s an unbelievable yarn, which happens to be true. HHHH Boyd Hilton