The series will explore the powerful reign and fall from grace of Gordon, the soap star and Queen of the Midlands.

Gordon became one of the most famous people in Britain playing the flame-haired widow Meg Richardson in the long-running soap opera, Crossroads.

But in 1981, at her and the show’s peak of success, she was fired without warning nor any explanation, despite appearing on it for 18 years.

Nolly will reveal the truth and the legacy of that fateful day, exploring how the establishment turned on women, like Gordon, who refused to play by the rules.

Davies said: “One of my very first jobs in TV was a trial script for Crossroads, and I've wanted to write the story of behind the scenes on that show for 40 years. At last, the truth can be told!”

Directing Nolly is Peter Hoar, who also directed Davies’ It’s A Sin.

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, commented on her commission: “Russell’s scripts are magnificent and a great tribute to Noele Gordon, but also to our national love of soaps and a celebration of the incredible women they create.

Helena Bonham Carter is going to be amazing as Nolly and we can’t wait for her to step into those shoes.”

Filming for Nolly will begin in 2022.