Love, Nina

Nick Hornby’s fictionalised television adaptation of Nina Stibbe’s bestselling book, 'Love, Nina' is a 5 x 30 minute series for BBC One. Twenty years old and from Leicester, Nina moves to North London in 1982 to care for the two young boys of a working single mother, George, the editor of a London literary review.

SJP

Playful, sharply funny and fiercely bright, Nina is thrown into a sophisticated world, with only her no-nonsense attitude to guide her. Nina is unabashed but unqualified, relying on her warmth and self-taught intelligence to hold her own with the intellectuals that pass through the house. With George’s encouragement, and the attentions of a good-looking boy across the street, Nina’s eyes are gradually opened to a future of expanded opportunities… or at the very least sixth-form college.

George possesses a quick-fire wit and a calm, unruffled exterior. She never panics, and is often the most centred, confident person in the room. Her job as the editor of a literary magazine means she spends much of her time sparring with writers and intellectuals, and it is usually her that wins these battles. Mother to Joe and Max she is unwavering in her love and affection for the boys, spending every mealtime and weekend by their side.

Malcolm is a celebrated poet and author. Scottish, but having lived in London for many years, Malcolm is part of the makeshift family that assembles for dinner every evening at 55 Gloucester Crescent. He’s often found ruminating on life’s little quirks with Joe and Max, or teasing Nina with pointed observations about her cooking.

Joe (pictured right) is the younger of the two brothers, who is small because of a chronic condition that has affected him since birth. He has a cheeky, intelligent humour, and is often playful with Nina, teasing her about her love life. He gets on well with his brother Max, but is always first to make a play for the limelight, especially when his frequent bouts of illness rear up.

Max (pictured right) is the older brother, relaxed and hard to ruffle. He is physically more confident than his younger brother; Max is brusque, literal and totally unfiltered.

Nunney is a young carer, living on the same street and looking after Nina’s neighbour, Ray. He’s constantly bumping into Nina and the boys on his daily rounds, and it is not long before the two strike up a flirtation. Nunney is widely read and charming, although Nina can’t help but suspect him of condescension. Despite this he is sensitive and kind, and genuinely likes Nina.

Living a few doors down from Nina, Ray is a gruff, no-nonsense Millwall fan. Partially sighted and a wheelchair user, he suffers no fools and gives particularly short shrift to Nina and Nunney’s tentative courtship.