Exile is a psychological thriller that tells an intimate story of prodigal redemption. The serial follows Tom (Simm), who returns to his hometown to be reacquainted with his father (Broadbent) to uncover the truth behind what happened between them years before. But Tom's investigations lead him to expose a mind-blowing scandal, two decades old, that changes their lives forever.

This three-part drama created by Paul Abbott and written by Danny Brocklehurst (The Street, Sorted, Shameless and Clocking Off) made by AbbottVision and Red Production Company for BBC One.

Tom Ronstadt, journalist

John Simm plays Tom Ronstadt, a successful London journalist whose world has fallen apart and it's all his own doing. With his career and life in ruins he decides to return to his hometown in Lancashire for the first time in 18 years. He finds his father Sam (Jim Broadbent), who Tom idolised as a child, in the grip of Alzheimer's – a once formidable man now being cared for by his younger sister Nancy (Olivia Coleman – Peep Show, Beautiful People).

Over the three episodes Tom unravels the mystery linked to his childhood that drove him away all those years ago. In trying to extract information and encouraging him to remember the past, Tom becomes increasingly frustrated with his father's failure to remember. He persists unaware that he is unearthing a devastating crime that will reveal secrets he could never have imagined.

Cast and production crewe

Shaun Dooley (Single.Married.Other), Timothy West (Terry Pratchett's Going Postal, Bleak House) and Claire Goose (Waking The Dead) will also star. Exile will be directed by John Alexander (Small Island, Sense & Sensibility), produced by Karen Lewis, (Unforgiven, The Chatterley Affair) and executive produced by Nicola Shindler and Paul Abbott.

The BBC executive producer is Sarah Brandist and was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.

The drama was filmed in Manchester and transmitted on BBC One.

Episode 1

When Tom Ronstadt is sacked from his job and dumped by his lover, he has no one left to turn to and does something he hasn't thought about doing for 18 years – he heads home, to the North.

The drive forces Tom to think back to the fateful night that led him to leave. What made his seemingly loving, caring journalist father beat him up? What had Tom stumbled on that Sam so desperately wanted to keep from him?

Tom arrives home, to his sister Nancy's surprise. She's not only upset and hurt that her brother left; she's also angry that he hasn't offered to help over the past few years. With their father becoming lost to Alzheimer's, things have not been easy.

Episode 2

Focusing on the name Metzler, Tom looks into library and newspaper archives about him, as Danny Brocklehurst's psychological thriller continues. Tom's home town was the site for an institution for the mentally disabled in the Seventies, and he discovers Metzler was a doctor there.

Tom traces Sam's old assistant, Wendy, to find out more, but she is cagey and gives nothing away. He hopes that by taking Sam to an annual charity event and being around familiar faces, he will spark a new memory.

After many lost years, Tom is rebuilding his relationship with Nancy and helping her care for their father. Sharing the responsibility brings them even closer.

Episode 3

Tom is rocked by the news he has received and is starting to unravel as a consequence, in the concluding part of Danny Brocklehurst's psychological thriller. Nancy drives him back to Wendy's house and demands more answers. Wendy not only confirms Tom's suspicions, but also gives him a new lead.

This sends him back to Mandy and her mum, a former Greenlake employee. After more questions Tom is finally faced with the truth and is led to meet a frail, dying man. A man full of guilt and remorse for his past life, Ricky Tulse is shocked to see Tom.

BBC psychological thriller Exile starring John Simm

BBC’s three-part story of prodigal redemption

Starring John Simm, Jim Broadbent, Shaun Dooley, Timothy West and Claire Goose

Photograph shows Jim Broadbent and John Simm in character for the BBC psychological thriller Exile.

Photograph shows Jim Broadbent and John Simm in charcter for the BBC psychological thriller Exile.