This Easter, BBC One presents Florence Nightingale – a full costume drama that tells the untold story of one of Britain’s greatest heroines, based on her own words.

Starring Laura Fraser, this film brings to life the story of Florence Nightingale’s spiritual and emotional breakdown after the Crimean War: a moment of crisis, doubt and failure that ultimately inspired her revolutionary career in medicine.

It also introduces the actor comedian Roy Hudd as the leader of a raucous Music Hall troupe, who dip in and out of the action with songs in the style of the times.

Florence’s personal story was one of amazing determination and self sacrifice. She was convinced from an early age that she could hear the voice of God and it was this “call” which persuaded her to spurn all the expectations of her family and suitors, her class and her gender, to pursue a career which was regarded as little better than prostitution. Read more & comment »