Best: His Mother’s Son is a fact-based drama that tells the remarkable
but little-known story of George Best’s relationship with his alcoholic
mother. It’s a poignant tale that foreshadows the very public transformation
of one of Britain’s most glamorous stars into one of its most notorious
alcoholics.
The film on Sunday, April 26 on BBC Two at 9pm concentrates on the
period between 1966 and 1973, when Manchester United went from victory
in Europe to relegation to the Second Division, George Best went from
superstardom to retirement aged just 26, and his mother went from
teetotaller to alcoholic.
Best: His Mother’s Son stars Michelle Fairley as George’s mother,
Ann (A Short Stay In Switzerland, The Street, Ahead Of The Class,
The Others), and Tom Payne (Waterloo Road) as George. Lorcan Cranitch
(Cracker, Omagh, Rome) takes on the role of Dickie Best.
The script is written by one of Northern Ireland’s leading dramatists,
Terry Cafolla, who was nominated for a Bafta for Holy Cross. It is
produced and directed by Colin Barr, who made the Emmy award-winning
drama, Maxwell, and 10 Days To War, which recently won an RTS Award.
The drama begins in 1966 when 19-year old George Best, who plays for
Manchester United,
is riding high on the crest of footballing stardom. He is scoring
goals left, right and centre and, off the field, girls are throwing
themselves at his feet.
Meanwhile, at home in Belfast, his family is living in the same terraced
house that George grew up in, but there’s one big difference – the
golden boy has gone. George’s mum, Ann, feels the absence fiercely.
In George’s place, there is a growing sense that the family is becoming
public property. Every time George scores a goal, they are besieged
by the press. Every time he steps out of line, they are ambushed by
a Belfast public that regards George as its own son.
This is the story of how an ordinary, loving, close-knit family deals
with the extraordinary phenomenon of celebrity in an age where there
were no precedents. At first, armed with their natural wit, humour
and realism, the family seem insulated from the corrosive effects
of celebrity. But, when the hitherto teetotal Ann takes her first
sip of alcohol, the destiny of this robust and happy family is changed
for ever...
The film is aired with the support of Headroom, the BBC’s mental health
initiative. The Headroom website, bbc.co.uk/ headroom, provides
information and advice for anyone worried about their drinking.
The cast also features Laura Donnelly as Barbara Best; Lisa Hogg as
Carol Best; Catherine Quinn as Grace Best; Amy Quinn as Julie Best;
Des McAleer as Matt Busby; Michele Forbes as Mrs Fullaway; and Bronagh
Taggart as Ruby Emerson.
***George Best Extra***
In 1971, George Best was at the top of his game, and at the height of his fame, but the demands of his popstar lifestyle were beginning to tell on the 24 year old footballer.
When Best failed to catch a train for a game at Chelsea he was suspended for a fortnight by Manchester United amid a welter of debate and criticism.
In George Best Extra, an archive programme from 1971 available to digital viewers behind the red button after the transmission of new drama Best, Hugh McIlvanney explored the crossroads that the phenomenon that was George Best had reached with insights from George and some of his teammates and friends.
If you're watching on digital satellite or digital cable press your red button after the drama to watch George Best Extra. It will also be available to watch at 11pm, again by pressing the red button.