Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, Heroes) has described his upcoming Channel 4 thriller Close To Me as a \u201clovely reversal\u201d of the on-screen gender dynamics usually portrayed in TV dramas.<\/p>\n

On the show\u2019s appeal, Eccleston said: \u201cThis show had a lovely reversal of the usual, far too familiar, sensitive, caring female taking a supportive role to a male as they wrestle with existential dilemmas. This was very refreshing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The drama follows Jo (Wonder Woman 1984 star Connie Nielsen), a middle-aged woman who suffers a head injury, before waking up in hospital with no memory of the past year. At her side is her husband, Rob (Eccleston), who seeks to shield his wife by keeping secrets about some of the events that she can\u2019t yet remember.<\/p>\n

Speaking about his character, Eccleston described Rob as \u201can estate agent in late middle age who has been married to Jo for a considerable amount of time. He realises that his role is to try and aid his life partner in a physical and emotional recovery, but also support her going through menopause\u201d.<\/p>

He continued: \u201cJo is having identity issues which are, according to my female friends, very common in late middle age, where you wake up thinking: who am I? The way they are treated in society shifts. Rob\u2019s business is also in trouble and there\u2019s a sense of emasculation, because a lot of the money has come from her side of things. He\u2019s certainly not in the throes of youth and idealism.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the upcoming thriller, Eccleston is officially returning to voice the Ninth Doctor for another series of Big Finish audio adventures. However, he\u00a0recently revealed in a Dragon Con interview that a Doctor Who 60th anniversary return was \u201cvery doubtful\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Find out what else to watch with our TV Guide<\/a>\u00a0or visit our Drama<\/a> hub for the latest news.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/body><\/html>\n

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