The programmes include a new crime thriller by Steven Moffat, a political drama starring Hugh Laurie, an adaption of Jo Bloom’s Ridley Road and a drama focusing on the controversial abortion laws in Northern Ireland.

 

Inside Man

Sherlock and Dracula writer Steven Moffat is back with a new BBC One crime thriller, Inside Man.

The four-part mini-series follows the unlikely encounter between a woman trapped in the cellar of an English vicarage and a prisoner on death row in the US.

The commission was announced by Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content and Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, at Edinburgh TV Festival.

“In our ongoing relationship with Steven and Sue (Vertue), they sent us this mini-series which Steven had written on spec and we commissioned it instantly,” Wenger commented.

“The script is a page-turner and grips you from the outset, and Charlotte and I couldn’t resist bringing this story to BBC One.”

Inside Man will be produced by Hartswood Films for BBC One and will go into production later in 2020.

 

Roadkill

Hugh Laurie stars as Peter Laurence, a Conservative minister whose career and private life fall apart when the secrets of his past come to light.

While others plan his downfall, Laurence has no remorse and tries to further his political agenda.

The four-part fictional thriller will be written by David Hare (The Reader) and will be produced The Forge for the BBC.

“I first worked with Hugh Laurie in 1987 when he set off on his riveting change of direction from adroit comedian to commanding dramatic actor,” said Hare.

“I can’t wait to see him embody the fictional future of the Conservative party in Roadkill.”

Further casting for Roadkill will be announced at a later date.

 

Ridley Road

Based on Jo Bloom’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, Ridley Road centres on the festering rise of far right fascism during the swinging sixties in London’s East End.

When Vivien Epstein’s lover is caught between life and death, she goes undercover among a group of fascists.

The four-part series will be adapted and executive produced by award-winning writer Sarah Solemani (Barry).

“Britain’s relationship with fascism is closer and more alive than we like to think,” said Solemani. “Luckily, so is our rich heritage of fighting it.”

She added: “Jo Bloom’s gripping book revealed a darker side of sixties London and the staggering contribution the Jewish community made in the battle against racism.”

 

When It Happens To You

Vanity Fair writer Gwyneth Hughes will write a new drama centred on the controversial issues surrounding abortion laws in Northern Ireland, where women aren’t legally entitled to request a termination for an unwanted pregnancy.

As the country faces potential changes to this law, When It Happens To You will follow real-stories of the families that have been affected.

The BBC One drama will be executive produced by Three Girls producers Susan Hogg and Gwyneth Hughes for Studio Lambert.

“Growing up in Northern Ireland I was always aware of the heated debate surrounding the issue of abortion,” commented Hogg. “And this is a story I’ve wanted to tell for many years.”

“Terminations are illegal even when doctors agree that the foetus has no chance of survival or where a pregnancy has been the result of rape or incest.”

She added: “We will go behind the headlines and tell the true stories of women and girls and their families who have been deeply affected by the law.”