Drama of the Week - Secrets and Lies: Candour

When a system falters, who finds the courage to speak the truth?

Maya, a young first-time mother, Jo, an overwhelmed trainee GP on rotation, and Kate, a fiercely principled hospital chaplain find their lives unexpectedly intertwined following a birth that doesn't go to plan.

Part of the Secrets and Lies season, Al Smith's drama pulls back the curtain on a labour ward under intense pressure, exploring what happens when real lives fall between the cracks of an overstretched healthcare system. It explores responsibility, courage, silence and the fragile trust that holds patients and professionals together.

KATE......Christine Bottomley
JO.....Anneika Rose
MAYA.....Sade Malone
SUE.....Jenny Platt
BEN.....Darren Kuppan
JOHN....Graeme Hawley
RAY.....James Quinn

Written by Al Smith
Directed by Nadia Molinari
Sound Design and Technical Production by Sharon Hughes
Production Co-ordinator - Ben Hollands
Technical Producer - Kelly Young
Casting Manager - Alex Curran
Medical Advisors - Fran Bennett and Joe Lee

A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4.

Published on Friday, 20th March 2026.

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