Friday 8 October 2010, 12:34
I'm excited about Single Father going out on TV but also a bit nervous and a bit protective. I haven't felt like this with other things I've written. Maybe it's because I've spent five years on it but also because I never tire of watching David Tennant, Suranne Jones and all the actors zinging the characters into life.
Then there are the children, who could make or break it, because if the family's not believable the game's up.
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There were worries. I mean, how would they react to having Doctor Who as their Dad? Would they ever get over it? Would they forever be looking at David in wonder and awe? See what you think.
The story started to form nearly six years ago. I knew I wanted to write something around bringing up children but wasn't sure how to do it until I got some unintentional help from home.
We have three boys - at that time they were the same age as the children in Single Father. Like those kids they weren't allowed Xboxes, iPods, mobile phones, clothes with logos, virtually any television.
This ethos, which I agree with, was imposed by their mum, who one day looked at me and said "If anything happened to me, you wouldn't keep this going, would you? You'd give them everything they want!"
And there it was: Single Father, thank you very much. Except I almost didn't write it out of superstition, because to make a single father, I had to lose the mum and I didn't want to tempt fate.
And maybe I wouldn't have written it if I hadn't had another nudge. I was down in Deal, in Kent, writing something else and overheard a story about a bandsman who was killed there in the bombing of the Royal Marines' barracks in 1989.
This bandsman's wife was working at the time in the café at the end of the pier. Because the wind was blowing off the sea, no-one there heard the blast, but at the exact moment her husband died, for no apparent reason, she blurted out "I love you too!".
And then felt an intense sense of warmth and wellbeing.
I couldn't resist that. It was a love story and that "I love you too!" contains everything.
There are no bandsmen or bombings in Single Father but that line's there and it echoes across the four parts.
I really hope you get involved with the characters over the coming weeks and enjoy the story.
Mick Ford is the writer of Single Father.
Single Father is on BBC One and BBC HD at 9pm on Sunday, 10 October.
To find out times of all future episodes, please visit the upcoming episodes page.
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Thursday 7 October 2010, 10:15
Monday 11 October 2010, 11:08
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Comment number 1.
helen jenkins10th October 2010 - 11:11
I applaud Mike Ford and the BBC for tackiling this sensative issue, As a devoted, experienced, caring and holistic IFA for over twenty two years I have had to meet with my clients who have faced what this family go through. The unknown, never experienced feelings and incredible sea of changes of emotions happen so quickly with a feeling of loss of control, trying to maintain the "normal" family, true to life but tripped up at every hurdle.
The greatest stress to add to this is the lack of money. Money will not bring someone back but it buys time to deal with these situations. Initially, there is grief and shock then surprisingly a common emotion is anger as to who someone they love could have left them in this situation. My point is that I hope the programme talks about the life insurance that pays on Rita's death as this is the saving grace and people need to be aware of this.
I know it is not fashionable but it is essential to help restore life. I am passionate about people being able to continue life when all initually is lost.
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Comment number 2.
jasmada10th October 2010 - 23:04
The first episode was brilliant. The whole family was believable and the children could not have been better selected for their roles.
David Tennant's reaction to hearing of Rita's death was so real, it was heart breaking. Superb writing, I'm really looking forward to seeing this develop. Congratulations Mick!
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Comment number 3.
Janet_3_lusty10th October 2010 - 23:14
So heartfelt for everyone involved. Cannot imagine how one would cope if either mother or father was fatally injured. But why involve the best friend, who should just be trying to help with the worst situation she can imagine, and turn it into what could only be perceived as being a traitor to her friend, and her loyal husband, and eventually I assume to the berieved father? Is that not just the lowest of the low from everyone's perspective? I can imagine how vulnerable everyone feels, but is it worth introducing this aspect?
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Comment number 4.
incy10th October 2010 - 23:48
After reading the article in the sunday magazine today with the daily mail... i was quiet looking forward to seeing this programme.
But after watching i feel it was wrong in so many ways .... was it written taking in real life feelings and aspects from families who have ACTUALLY lost people-mothers, fathers, wifes, husbands. OR was it written by someone who wants to write a drama that 'he' thinks will make people cry and feel sorry for them!??
it was wrong on so many levels...
the flowers stopped the food parcels stopped... yet there was no emotion over this
in no way would an aunt stay for 10 weeks, to cook and clean most family members leave within a week
it is a fact that 6-8 weeks is the hardest time when it all hits in....so why was this missed?
there was no day to day factors of sorting washing or where to buy things from? that the father would not have a clue about or even care
there was no pressure on the dad to be both a dad 'and' mother....this would be his biggest heart ache and worry??
there way the police would just leave him on a major road after them killing his wife they would take him home.
yes i could go on and on but there is just to much to cover.....
and i case you hadn't noticed yes i lost my mother and i am appalled at this programme every emotion was wrong and you have given every family out there who is currently grieving over a loved one a bad/fake/ and wrong image!
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Comment number 5.
mellykins10th October 2010 - 23:51
single father was the best show ive watched in a long time really enjoyed it cant wait for next week well done everyone in it
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Comments 5 of 39