The BBC have unveiled a new slate of star-studded dramas including the TV adaptation of James Graham’s football play “Dear England” starring Joseph Fiennes, a new co-pro with “Euphoria” producer A24 and the screenwriting debut from “Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood.
Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt revealed the 12-strong slate – which adds up to 66 hours of top TV – at a press event in London, U.K. on Wednesday evening. It includes two more series of Belfast-based police drama “Blue Lights.”
“Inflation, content and platform saturation, streamer retrenchment, the writers’ strike… It’s all fed a serious slowdown,” Salt said as she unveiled the diverse slate. “Five years ago, everyone was willing to make brave choices, to experiment, to try something a little unorthodox. I worry that risk-taking is becoming a dirty word… And that, in less than a decade, the industry might be moving from ‘peak TV’ to ‘peak caution’ But not the BBC.”
“Our mission means we’ve always had a responsibility to back the U.K.’s best storytelling, and champion the brightest, bravest talent,” she continued. “I believe we’re the only place that can promise true boldness and braveness in all our decision-making.”
“In an era of caution, it’s our time to shine.”
The new dramas are:
“Dear England”
Joseph Fiennes reprises his role as England football manager Gareth Southgate as “Sherwood” creator James Graham’s hit West End play gets its first screen adaptation. “The Crown” producers Left Bank Pictures are making the series.
“Film Club”
“Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood will star in this romantic drama, which also happens to be her screenwriting debut (Ralph Davis co-writes). The six-part series will be made by “Obsession” producer Gaumont.
“The Ministry of Time”
“Normal People” screenwriter Alice Birch will adapt Kaliane Bradley’s sci-fi novel about a group of expats from history. “Beef” producers A24 will make the show.
“The Split Up”
based on Abi Morgan’s hit divorce show “The Split,” this Manchester-based spin-off will follow a family of British-Asian lawyers who also work together. “The Split” producers Sister will make the show, which is written by Ursula Rani Sarma and exec produced by Morgan.
“The Listeners”
“Vicky Christina Barcelona” star Rebecca Hall plays an English teacher coping with an unseen condition in this series from “Poor Things” producer Element Pictures. It is written by Jordan Tannahill.
“The Dream Lands”
Kayleigh Llewellyn adapts Rosa Rankin-Gee’s coming-of-age novel “Dreamland” as a six-part series. Produced by Sister.
“We Go Again” (working title)
“Sanditon” scribe Janice Okoh adapts her play “Three Birds” into a six-part series about three stubbornly optimistic siblings with a dark secret. The Forge Entertainment will produce.
“Lions” (working title)
Richard Gadd (“Sex Education”) writes this six-part series about two Glasgow-based men over a number of decades. Mam Tor Productions produce.
“This City is Ours”
Stephen Butchard (“Five Daughters”) writes this eight-part series about a Liverpudlian man who contemplates leaving his life of crime when he meets the love of his life. Left Bank Pictures produce.
“Reunion”
William Mager writes a four-part thriller about a deaf man and ex-con determined to get revenge. “Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” producers Warp Films are making the show.
“Mint”
“Scrapper” filmmaker Charlotte Regan writes this unconventional eight-part drama about growing up in a crime family. Fearless Minds and House Productions produce.
