Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie has recently joined the cast of Jack Thorne’s anticipated Netflix series Toxic Town. The accomplished actress will be accompanied by Michael Socha from The Gallows Pole and Joe Dempsie, best known for his role in Game of Thrones. While their specific roles remain unknown, their inclusion rounds out an impressive ensemble cast, which already includes Aimee Lou Wood from Sex Education, Jodie Whittaker from Doctor Who, and Robert Carlyle.
Claudia Jessie has proven her acting prowess in various projects. Her breakout role as the rebellious Bridgerton child Eloise in Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix hit showcased her talent to a global audience. The English actress has also led Bali 2002, a series about the tragic Bali bombings, as well as appearing in Stan and Nine Network’s production. With her incredible range and commitment to her craft, Claudia Jessie is undoubtedly a valuable addition to the Toxic Town cast.
Michael Socha has recently taken the lead in Shane Meadows’ BBC drama, The Gallows Pole. This opportunity comes after his appearances in Meadows’ This is England movie and series, which has solidified his reputation as a talented actor. Socha’s involvement in Toxic Town is highly anticipated, as he consistently delivers memorable performances that captivate audiences.
Joe Dempsie is best known for his portrayal of Gendry Baratheon in the widely acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Additionally, he played Chris in the E4 teen comedy Skins, further establishing his acting abilities. Dempsie’s inclusion in Toxic Town raises the excitement surrounding the show, as fans are eager to see him take on a new and intriguing role.
Toxic Town director Minkie Spiro expressed her pride in working with such an exceptional cast and crew. The collaboration of talent from across the UK brings together some of the finest actors in the industry. The recent addition of Claudia Jessie, Joe Dempsie, and Michael Socha further amplifies the show’s potential. Spiro and her team are dedicated to presenting this important and timely story to Netflix audiences in the most compelling and impactful way possible.
Toxic Town, a four-part series produced by Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones’ Black Mirror production company Broke & Bones, sheds light on one of the UK’s biggest environmental scandals: the Corby poisonings. The storyline revolves around three determined mothers who fight a David and Goliath battle for justice in the aftermath of a tragic toxic waste case in the East Midlands.
The environmental disaster unfolds after the closure of one of Europe’s largest steelworks in the mid-1980s. As part of an urban regeneration initiative, the council demolished the site and transported the waste through populated areas using open lorries. Tragically, the rates of upper limb defects in babies born in Corby were found to be significantly higher than in surrounding areas during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This revelation led 18 families to file a lawsuit, resulting in a victorious outcome in the UK’s High Court in 2009, followed by a settlement the following year.
The casting choices for Toxic Town are exceptional, bringing together a blend of established and rising talent. Claudia Jessie, Joe Dempsie, and Michael Socha join an already remarkable lineup, setting high expectations for the series. With a story that explores the devastating effects of environmental negligence and the fight for justice, Toxic Town promises to be a thought-provoking and compelling addition to Netflix’s catalog.