Share

cover art for ITV's Maternal highlights 'real people' behind NHS

The Standard

ITV's Maternal highlights 'real people' behind NHS

Season 1

The ‘political statement’ behind new ITV drama Maternal. Why don’t we talk about the tough return to work post-maternity leave? Does the system need to change? Maternal writer Jacqui Honess-Martin discusses her decision to highlight the struggles of a post-pandemic NHS, and her ‘political statement’ around the realities of women returning to work from Maternity leave. In this episode:


  • What was the inspiration behind the drama?
  • Is Maternal a realistic look at the NHS?
  • How new mums struggle with their identity
  • Why mothers should recognise they’re not alone


Follow us on Twitter #TheLeaderPodcast


More episodes

View all episodes

  • One year of Keir: Can the Prime Minister save himself?

    15:03||Season 1
    Today marks one year since Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer entered No. 10 Downing Street, but it’s been a tricky start, as he faces plummeting polls, backbench rebels and sudden U-turns. The Standard’s reporter Fred Hood takes to the street to ask the public how they feel about his policies, and Chief Correspondent Rachael Burford explains the challenges that lie ahead - plus the latest on the news that Ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana will set up a new independent party with Jeremy Corbyn.And in part two, The Standard’s Head of Culture, Martin Robinson, reports from Cardiff where Liam and Noel Gallagher are reuniting for the first time since 2009, kickstarting their long-awaited worldwide Oasis tour. 
  • (In)Justice: Killer Privilege | Episode 5: Full Pockets

    30:12||Season 1
    Sam Hunter, Alex’s childhood friend, recounts the eerily similar death of another friend, Liam Anderson, in Sydney, Australia. Journalist Sacha Batthyany delves into the psychology of extreme wealth, exploring a self-help course designed for those born into unimaginable privilege. Then, a shocking revelation—a third death within this same social circle. We zoom out to examine the toxic mix of privilege, drugs, and the dangerous sense of invincibility that pervades this world of young, affluent men.
  • The ‘catastrophic failure’ behind Heathrow’s power outage

    12:40||Season 1
    Today, a new report from Britain's National Energy System Operator (NESO) has revealed that a power outage which shut Heathrow Airport earlier this year, causing travel chaos for more than 270,000 passengers, was caused by a ‘catastrophic failure’ of equipment in a nearby substation. The Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn has the latest.And in part two, freelance journalist Edwina Langley shares what to eat, drink and wear if you’re heading to SW19 for this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament.
  • The TfL fat cats earning more than the Prime Minister

    12:40||Season 1
    Transport for London has missed passenger targets, delayed the new Piccadilly line trains and caused chaos on the Central line, but 2,200 Transport for London staff earn six-figure sums, according to exclusive reporting by The Standard’s City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall. And in part two, The Standard’s sports writer Dom Smith explains why this year’s opening day at Wimbledon has been record-breaking for British players.
  • Inside the London youth courts tackling knife crime

    13:45||Season 1
    The problem of knife crime is usually viewed through the prism of tragedy. But after spending months reporting from inside the capital’s youth courts, The Standard’s Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk joins us to discuss his special report on the efforts being made to steer children away from crime before it’s too late. And in part two, journalist Alice Cockerell ventures behind the scenes at Wimbledon tennis tournament, with ball boys and ball girls being put through their paces, and bad behaviour both on and off court. 
  • Can home favourite Jack Draper win Wimbledon?

    16:33||Season 1
    With this year’s Wimbledon Championships starting on Monday, The Standard’s live sports writer Matt Verri tells us about meeting Britain’s no.1 tennis star Jack Draper - currently ranked fourth in the world - and whether he has it in him to win a grand slam tournament. Then, as part of The Standard’s Hidden London series, John Darlington, Director of Projects for the World Monuments Fund, explains why he likens Sevendroog Castle in South London to India’s Taj Mahal.
  • (In)Justice: Killer Privilege | Episode 4: The Rebellion

    36:34||Season 1
    Katja Faber transforms from mother to defender as she gears up for the biggest legal fight of her lifetime – the appeal and ensuing retrial. We examine a Swiss legal loophole that Bennet’s team exploits in an attempt to free him. And just when she least expects it, Katja receives a letter from Bennet himself.
  • Labour’s rebellion as welfare reform vote set to go ahead

    15:46||Season 1
    Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a growing backlash to his proposed welfare reform bill, with 120 Labour MPs saying they will back an amendment that threatens the cuts. The Standard’s Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford has the latest. And in part two, The Standard’s Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer, Vicky Jessop, joins us as the Glastonbury Festival gates open to share her top tips and the best acts to see at the music extravaganza. 
  • Sharmadean Reid on the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in the UK

    11:48||Season 1
    The UK may be the start-up capital of Europe, but not when it comes to women. Currently, just 19.1% of active UK companies are female-led.Sharmadean Reid, an award-winning entrepreneur, founder of Stack World, and AXA Startup Angel judge, joins us to discuss the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs in the UK.'Hustling and entrepreneurship come naturally to women'Sharmadean told us women don't have issues starting businesses; they have issues growing them, due to a lack of funding.Sharmadean shares insights on the importance of mentorship and advice for those starting and scaling businesses.Plus, she also discusses the current economic climate and how it's leaving business owners feeling "hopeless".For more information and to enter this year's AXA Startup Angel competition, visit standard.co.uk/axastartupangel.Entries close July 6th.