“I hope viewers will see Home Fires as a really gripping drama telling various personal stories.

“It shows what goes on behind closed doors with elements of discovery and intrigue.”

Samantha Bond talking to me about ITV’s new World War Two drama, which begins at 9pm this Sunday (May 3).

The six-part series, also starring the likes of Francesca Annis, Ed Stoppard, Ruth Gemmell and Daniel Ryan, is not what you might be expecting.

A refreshingly original story of this crucial period in our history.

With terrific performances from the ensemble cast.

But don’t take my word for it.

Watch the opening episode this Sunday and see for yourself.

I visited the production on location in Cheshire last summer and saw first hand the love, care, skill and talent poured into this drama.

You can read my interviews for ITV with Samantha Bond, Francesca Annis, Ed Stoppard, Ruth Gemmell, Daniel Ryan and Chris Coghill at the link below – from Pg 18 onwards:

Wylie ITV Home Fires Interviews

The memorable Home Fires main theme was written by series composer Samuel Sim.

The soundtrack features the collective vocal talents of Heather Cairncross, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange, Rachel Weston and  Grace Davidson plus musicians Chris Richards (clarinet), Ileana Ruhemann (flute) and Caroline Dale (cello).

And Samuel Sim’s Blackberry:

https://soundcloud.com/samuel77/home-fires-blackberry

Production photos: Stuart Wood and Colin Hutton.