Inside the inspiration for Netflix thriller Hostage

Netflix has unveiled its eagerly-awaited thriller series, Hostage, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The five-part drama plunges fictional Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (portrayed by Suranne Jones) into a crisis when her spouse Dr Alex Anderson (Ashley Thomas) is abducted whilst on assignment in French Guiana.

She's faced with the harrowing decision of stepping down or risking her husband's life, as she grapples with personal and political dilemmas.

The kidnapping occurs during French President Vivienne Toussaint's (Julie Delpy) visit, who also finds herself under threat of blackmail.

The two leaders are forced to collaborate to uncover the truth, despite their contrasting political objectives creating tension.

Some viewers are curious about how much of the plot is based on reality and how much is pure fiction.

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Is Netflix's Hostage inspired by true events?

No, Hostage isn't based on actual events. The series is a work of fiction but is deeply rooted in reality, conceived by writer Matt Charman and lead actress and producer Jones.

The programme depicts an NHS on the brink, supply chain disruptions and refugee tensions, making the narrative feel relevant to current affairs.

Discussing his inspiration for writing Hostage, Charman reminisced about a school trip to 10 Downing Street when he was just 10: "I can vividly remember standing there and being aware that the address is a home as well as an office. There are affairs of state going on, but there's also bedrooms where families sleep.

"So I have always wanted to tell the story of the reality of living where you work as a Prime Minister and being torn between your family and your country. Torn between the political and the private."

Charman also discussed with Jones the territory she was keen to examine, with the Vigil actress expressing her fascination with exploring the political sphere.

Whilst the drama isn't rooted in actual events, the duo carried out extensive investigation and consulted genuine politicians to capture their daily struggles.

At a recent preview, Charman revealed to journalists including Reach Screen Time that he and Jones interviewed numerous female political figures, including some former prime ministers, about the experience of holding office whilst juggling personal and professional demands.

Charman revealed: "We spoke to a few politicians with kids and the thing they said the most [...] was their guilt is always around the children. It's always around what the kids have to give up, how hard it was for the kids, how social media has become this thing... imagine being someone's son or daughter of someone in the cabinet and people saying stuff about your mum and dad everyday, posting videos, scaring you, sending stuff directly to you. That's what most politicians feel sick about. I'm tough enough that I get through it, but my kids go to school and it's awful for them."

The different performers conducted their own investigation for their particular characters. Ashley Thomas, known for his role as Dr Alex Anderson, gained insight from an NHS doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières, who had recently returned from a mission to Haiti.

Thomas also delved into the book War Doctor – Surgery On The Front Line by David Nott, recommended by the show's creator Charman.

Corey Mylchreest steps into the shoes of Matheo Lewis, the stepson of the French President and an employee at an NGO that aids in resettling refugees.

The star of The Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story consulted with several charities and NGOs to understand their daily operations.

Hostage is streaming on Netflix now