Home / Arts and Entertainment / Jodie Whittaker's Toxic Town: A Community's Hidden Shame
Jodie Whittaker's Toxic Town: A Community's Hidden Shame
11 May
Summary
- Toxic waste from steelworks caused birth defects in Corby children.
- Families sued Corby Borough Council for negligence in 2009.
- Jodie Whittaker highlighted the importance of sharing this story.
The Bafta-nominated drama 'Toxic Town' brings to light the devastating real-life struggles of families in Corby, Northamptonshire. The series, which garnered attention for Jodie Whittaker's performance, depicts how children born in the 1980s and 90s were affected by toxic airborne pollutants. These pollutants were allegedly linked to the town's former steelworks, with millions of tonnes of contaminated waste moved to Deene Quarry in 1980.
In 2009, 18 families took Corby Borough Council to the High Court, arguing negligence in the management of this waste. A judge ultimately ruled in their favor, identifying the heavy metal cadmium at the former steelworks as a contributing factor. Whittaker, nominated for portraying real-life mother Susan McIntyre, stated the importance of making this community's difficult history accessible.
Whittaker expressed her admiration for the mothers involved, who bravely shared their personal traumas. The series also featured Aimee Lou Wood and Claudia Jessie, portraying other affected mothers. The Baftas saw Whittaker compete for leading actress, highlighting the significant impact of 'Toxic Town' in bringing this historical injustice to public awareness.
