Luther actress Indira Varma leads star-studded cast of new series The Chat inspired by real life cancer stories

Indira Varma has joined the star-studded cast of a new immersive drama series, released as part of Breast Cancer Now’s latest campaign.

The Luther actress, 49, from Bath, stars as one of four women who have to “navigate an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis together.”

Six-part series ‘The Chat’ has been inspired by real-life stories and experiences, including the negative impact a diagnosis can have on relationships as well as on a woman’s body image and sense of identity.

Episode one of the drama resonated with viewers when it aired on Monday night, with many taking to the Breast Cancer Now Instagram page to share their thoughts.

“Very good, completely resonates with me and my journey so far. Emotional ❤️,” one wrote.

The series is set to unfold on a weekly basis with viewers positioned as ‘flies-on-the-wall’ of a group chat.

Indira, alongside Rakie Ayola, Claudie Blakley and Kate Ashfield play four women who bring to life the chaos and heartbreak of a breast cancer experience, as well as all the hilarity and uninvited overshares you’d expect from a close group of friends.

The immersive format of the series allows the audience to scroll through messages, listen to voice notes, see photos and play videos.

Breast Cancer Now launched the campaign after research found that more than two thirds of women in Britain (69%) agree that society needs to open up conversations around the disease.

It also comes at a time where breast cancer diagnosis rates are increasing at an alarming rate. In the UK, one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes, and one man is diagnosed every day.

To watch ‘The Chat’, for open and honest support, or whatever questions you may have, visit: breastcancernow.org/thechat