Channel Nine’s new drama series Love Child, starring Jessica Marais, Jonathan LaPaglia and Mandy McElhinney, was screened before an exclusive audience last night at the Sydney Opera House Dendy Theatre. As if way of endorsement, Nine also won the ratings battle last night.

Set in 1969 Kings Cross, Love Child is the story of Joan Miller (Jessica Marais), a smart and sophisticated midwife, who returns home from London to take a job at the Kings Cross Hospital and find a new life for herself, at a time when Australia is coming of age and the new generation believes anything is possible.

Jonathan LaPaglia plays the charismatic Dr Patrick McNaughton, head of obstetrics at Kings Cross Hospital, and Mandy McElhinney plays Frances Bolton, the tough matron who also controls the running of Stanton House, a home for unwed pregnant young women.

Their lives intersect between Kings Cross Hospital, Stanton House and the wild streets of Darlinghurst beyond the hospital walls.

The cast also includes Ryan Corr, Ella Scott Lynch, Sophie Hensser, Miranda Tapsell, Gracie Gilbert and Harriet Dyer.

Last night, however, was the battle of the news, with Nine pipping Seven at the post with 1.020 million metro viewers versus 1.013 million.