UK’s BBC unveils six dramas & new Michaela Coel project

The BBC in the UK has unveiled a raft of new scripted series, as well as a new project that is in the works from I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel.

Six shows have been unveiled by the broadcaster’s director of drama Piers Wenger, who confirmed a new project with Coel was in the works but offered few other insights as to the storyline.

There was plenty of detail on the six commissioned shows, however, which include a first project for This Is England creator Shane Meadows.

The Gallows Pole has been written by Meadows and is based on the novel of the same name by Benjamin Myers, which explores the true story of the rise and fall of a gang of Yorkshire weavers and land-workers.

Piers Wenger

It is being produced by Element Pictures and executive produced by Wenger and Tom Lazenby for the BBC.

The slate also includes Champion, which tells the story of what happens when fame collides with family. It is from is from Candice Carty-Williams, who wrote hit novel Queen, and is being produced by Balloon Entertainment and All3Media’s New Pictures.

Journalist Dolly Alderton’s memoir Everything I Know About Love is being adapted by NBCUniversal International Studios-owned Working Title Television, while Marriage is a four-parter about a couple who need each other. It is being produced by The Forge and Richard Laxton and Stefan Golaszewski for The Money Men.

The other two shows are Cash Carraway (working title), a drama about a young working class mum that is being produced by BBC Studios-owned Sid Gentle Films, and Wahala, which is based on Nikki May’s soon-to-be-published debut novel.

It follows three thirty-something Nigerian-British female friends living in London, successfully navigating a world that mixes roast dinners with jollof rice. Firebird Pictures produce and BBCS sell globally.

Wenger said: “We pride ourselves on the creative contribution we make and the value we offer to audiences. We will continue to build on the momentum of recent years to ensure that the BBC is and continues to be the home of the very best of British drama.

“In 2021, there are many places for audiences to access premium content. But it is our commitment to creative risk and our passion for Britain’s stand-out writing talent which ensures that even in the age of global streamers, we are able to win big.”