Dawn French and Mark Heap reveal emotional true story that inspired Can You Keep a Secret?

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While Dawn French’s new BBC sitcom, Can You Keep a Secret?, is full of humor, the show’s story comes from a challenging personal experience for its creator, Simon Mayhew-Archer.

The story centers on Debbie Fenton, played by French, and her husband, William, played by Mark Heap, who try to commit insurance fraud after William is wrongly reported as deceased.

Adding to the show’s complexity, William has Parkinson’s disease. The series occasionally portrays the specific challenges he faces due to the condition, mirroring the real-life experiences of the actor’s own father.

Paul Mayhew-Archer, a fellow television writer who previously collaborated with French on The Vicar of Dibley, has become a dedicated advocate for Parkinson’s awareness since receiving his diagnosis in 2011. He was awarded an MBE for his efforts.

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The book’s optimistic tone is embodied by the character William, but it also tackles a significant problem surrounding Parkinson’s disease: the lack of health insurance coverage for those who have it, beyond just the physical symptoms.

The couple’s financial struggles drive them to commit fraud, and while the actress playing Debbie, French, understands her difficult situation, she also thinks Debbie doesn’t have a strong sense of right and wrong.

She described Debbie as feeling a bit like Robin Hood – taking from people she sees as wrongdoers and giving to those she believes deserve it, including her own family and others. She also confirmed that Debbie has definitely been giving money away.

French pointed out that the plan wasn’t necessarily self-centered, particularly for those who have suffered, like people with Parkinson’s disease – a condition Simon understands firsthand because of his father.

I was looking into resources for people with Parkinson’s, and Parkinson’s UK points you towards a handful of insurance companies that might be able to help. But honestly, they admit it’s really tough to find a policy that actually works when you have this condition. It’s a frustrating situation, and finding the right coverage definitely isn’t easy.

Paul continues to create despite his health challenges, recently completing a romantic comedy for the BBC called ‘But When We Dance’. The story follows two people with Parkinson’s disease who find connection in a dance class. The show will star Laura Linney, known for ‘Ozark’, and Rhys Ifans, from ‘House of the Dragon’.

He shared that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, at the age of 58. He explained that Parkinson’s is a condition without a cure and is making everyday activities like walking, talking, and even smiling more challenging.

Despite the challenges Parkinson’s has brought, it’s also opened doors to incredible experiences I wouldn’t trade. Most recently, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with the talented director John Madden and a fantastic cast to share this story.

You know, living with Parkinson’s has definitely thrown some challenges my way. My hands aren’t as steady as they used to be, sometimes my speech gets a little slurred, and I have to be careful with each step I take. But honestly? Despite everything, I really can’t complain. There’s still so much to appreciate.

Can You Keep a Secret? premieres on BBC One and iPlayer on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Don’t miss “Can You Keep a Secret?”! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.

Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about scripted TV dramas and comedies for TopMob, keeping fans up-to-date on the newest releases. Before joining TopMob, he contributed to Starburst Magazine, hosted the podcast ‘The Winter King’ for ITVX, and earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-01-05 22:34