The episode was originally supposed to feature a large-scale civil disturbance and Newcastle ablaze. This was scrapped due to budget constraints.
Christopher Eccleston drew inspiration for his performance as the older Nicky from Peter Flannery, basing aspects of his characterization on Flannery's personality, and even wearing some of his colorful shirts.
Simon Cellan Jones decided to use "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis for the final scene. While the serial was in production, it was just another track from their second album, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? However, during transmission, it was released as a single, and it was at the top of the UK Singles Chart in the week of the final episode's transmission.
Gina McKee was initially unhappy with how she looked as the fifty-year old Mary, complaining that the make-up made her look like a drag queen.