The Accused: National Treasures On Trial will explore the operation’s lasting impact on the country’s values, attitudes and culture, with personal stories from three figures accused by Operation Yewtree or one of the subsequent investigations it spawned: Sir Cliff Richard, radio DJ Paul Gambaccini and former Pop Idol judge and DJ Neil Fox. While accused, the three were never arrested, charged, or convicted.

Led by their personal experiences of being investigated while under the full glare of the national media, the hour-long documentary will feature video diaries recorded with Paul Gambaccini and Neil Fox at the time. It will explore the immediate and longer-lasting impact the process had on them, their families, careers, and reputations, as well as examining the wider legacy of Yewtree through their eyes.

The documentary will also hear from some of those close to the investigation, including journalists involved in crafting the national conversation around Yewtree.

Lee McMurray, commissioning editor, Factual Entertainment, Channel 4 said: “This film offers a unique and fresh take on events that changed us forever, compelling viewers to ask important questions about a watershed moment in recent British history. The hurt and anger felt by three household names caught in the eye of the storm sparked by Yewtree, is weighed against the need for and value of a police operation that, while not perfect, delivered long overdue justice to victims of heinous crimes."