Red Planet has invited four rising screenwriters to join the programme, where they will be paired with an established showrunner to develop an original idea from the its inception to production.

The first stage of the scheme will see the writers develop a contemporary crime thriller. The eight-part series, set in London, will be developed from start to finish by the Writers’ Room and be led by Red Planet CEO Tony Jordan.

The writers will create an initial script but also storyline the entire series and develop a show bible. Post-commission, the four writers will work across all aspects of production, from the casting to editing, gaining invaluable showrunning experience.

Tony Jordan is known for creating and writing some of the most well-known dramas in British television, including Hustle, Eastenders and Life on Mars.

Speaking about the new scheme, he said he was "thrilled to announce this new initiative, building on the work we’ve done with new writers for more than ten years.  Developing the Red Planet Writers’ Room programme, we are building a creative model that will not only give new writers a chance to learn what goes into being a showrunner but will also generate successful new series ideas for years to come."  

The writers selected for the Red Planet Writers’ Room are Maya Sondhi (Mount Pleasant), Laura Poliakoff (Holby City), Johnny O’Neill (The Accident) and Nathaniel Price (Baller).