BIG WINNERS: SUE JOHNSTON AND PAUL COPLEY TO LEAD CAST OF NEW PLAY FOR TODAY DRAMA

Inspired by the iconic Play for Today format, each production will champion new voices and focus on bringing low-income talent into the spotlight behind the scenes in writing, directing and production roles. 

Paul Copley credit: Andy Hollingworth

Big Winners

A story about Edith and Arthur Thistle – for fifty-three years, they have managed to get by—never rich, never extravagant, but always together. That all changes in an instant when they win fourteen million pounds in the lottery. Arthur dreams of spending big, finally tasting the high life.

But before the celebrations can begin, Edith drops a bombshell: she wants a divorce. Big Winners is about opportunity, who gets to seize the day and who gets left behind. A thrilling, funny, deeply emotional exploration of lives lived, and lives missed.

Sue Johnston (Truelove, The Responder, The Royle Family) and Paul Copley (Downton Abbey, Last Tango in Halifax, The Archers) will lead the cast as Edith and Arthur. Alexa Davies (Cobra, Funny Woman and Raised by Wolves). and Mia Tormey will star as Jade and Kaylee.

Writer Martha Watson Allpress (Patricia Gets Ready) is on board making her TV writing debut. Emma Turner will also make her debut as director.

Production has begun across all titles with the first drama set to air on 5 at the end of the 2025.