Producer Svana Gisla behind the ABBA-tars, Threads

Around three- quarters of the estimated two hundred and fifty thousand people suffering from ME, in the UK are women. This month the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced a new plan to tackle Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in England, with better care and support, more research and a pledge to “trust and listen to those with lived experience” of ME. Woman’s Hour is joined by Sean O’Neill, a senior writer for the Times, who described that announcement as “the most bitter of bittersweet moments.” Sean’s eldest daughter Maeve, passed away last October at the age of twenty -seven, after suffering from ME since she was a teenager. That news from the Health Secretary made him decide the time was right for him to tell his very personal story about Maeve and her debilitating struggles with both the illness and the NHS. Emma also talks to Dr Charles Shepherd, medical advisor to the ME Association. In the last of our series Threads Listener Jeanie remembers her marvellous Aunty Mary whose Land Girl jacket holds so many happy memories. One of the most successful pop groups in history is back. 40 years since their last concert, ABBA, are once again performing. Well almost… Agnetha, Freida, Benny and Björn spent 5 weeks performing their songs in motion capture suits so that their movements could be captured and turned into ABBA-TARS. The end result? A digital, 360-degree, immersive concert experience which feels like you’re watching ABBA, from the 1970s, perform in front of you. Producer Svana Gisla has kept the whole production on track for five years. Presenter: Emma Barnett Producer: Lucinda Montefiore