If you’re not familiar with the Corby poisonings, which saw 19 children born with deformities following a botched steelworks clean up, it’s a case that will seriously shock you. It’s also now the subject of a brand-new TV drama, which is being coming to Netflix this Thursday - and it should be right at the top of your watchlist.

One of the streamer’s biggest upcoming releases, the harrowing four-part series tells the real-life story of the legal battle that followed the poisonings. Focusing on three brave and incredible mothers who took on a David and Goliath fight for justice and uncovered a terrible truth along the way, it’s a truly devastating horror story that taps into the devastating consequences of a decision made by one local council.

Creator and writer Jack Thorne (Best Interests, National Treasure, Help) explained: “The Corby Toxic Waste Case is one of those moments in history that is defining. It showed our ability to close our eyes and ears to the safety of our people. It also showed the remarkable way that people will fight for what's right. Toxic Town tells the story of these funny, brave, incredible women and the way they scrapped for their children.”

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toxic town
Netflix

Here's everything else you need to know about the upcoming drama...

What is Toxic Town about?

toxic town season 1
Netflix

The series is based on the devastating true story of the Corby poisonings. Between 1984 and 1999, toxic waste was dumped in the town, which caused babies to be born with deformities including missing limbs, deformed feet and underdeveloped fingers. Created and written by Jack Thorne, Toxic Town will tell the incredible story of three mothers who fought for justice for their children.

What actually happened in real life?

The Northamptonshire town of Corby had been a steelmaking centre until the local plant was closed in 1981. After it was closed, the council went in to remove a huge amount of waste from the site, but drudged up toxic chemicals and ended up spread it in the process. The waste contaminated populated areas and communities, affecting local residents and their health.

toxic town
Netflix

A landmark case later proved that the environmental damage caused by the way Corby Borough Council moved the waste led to birth defects, with a way-above-average number of people in Corby born with upper-limb defects. Corby Borough Council was found negligent in its management of waste at the site.

Who's starring in Toxic Town?

toxic town
Netflix

The following cast members will star in the drama:

  • Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Broadchurch)
  • Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty, Trainspotting)
  • Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, Living)
  • Rory Kinnear (The Diplomat, James Bond)
  • Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey, Spotless)
  • Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton)
  • Joe Dempsie (Game of Thrones)
  • Michael Socha (This Is England).
  • Lauren Lyle (Karen Pririe)
  • Stephen McMillan (Boiling Point)
  • Simon Harrison (Everest)
  • Frank Bourke (His Dark Materials)
  • Steven Elder (The Winter King)
  • Lindsay Bennett-Thompson (Greatest Days)
  • Jaz Singh Deol (Code of a Killer)

How can I watch Toxic Town?

Toxic Town will be released on Thursday 27th February on Netflix. All four episodes will be available in one go.