Nicole Taylor (Three Girls), Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum) and author Sally Rooney will each pen a new drama for BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Three, respectively.
Nicole Taylor - The Nest
RTS Award-winner Nicole Taylor’s emotional thriller, The Nest for BBC One is a six-part fictional drama exploring the consequences a deal for surrogacy made between a wealthy couple and a young woman.
Dan and Emily seem to have the perfect life in the picturesque suburbs of Glasgow, the only thing missing is a baby.
When they meet eighteen year old Kaya, who comes from the wrong side of the tracks they see an opportunity to help her, while also getting what they want. There’s something off about the situation though, and soon the couple wonder if letting Kaya into their lives was a mistake, one that they can’t take back.
Michaela Coel - Jan 22nd (w/t)
Michaela Coel’s drama series Jan 22nd (w/t) for BBC Two explores the themes of sexual consent in the modern landscape of dating, and how to make the distinction made between exploitation and liberation.
The series is set in contemporary London with Coel starring as Arabella, whose journey centres on a personal experience to do with consent and the way that those around her forge and react to newly emerging societal sexual cultures.
“I feel weirdly overwhelmed and honoured to be making something again, something I’m making myself, with a great team,” said Coel.
Sally Rooney - Normal People
Critically acclaimed author Sally Rooney will adapt her forthcoming novel Normal People for BBC Three. The series will be directed by Oscar-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson.
In a small Irish town Marianne and Connell, both from very different backgrounds, embark on an on-off romance which begins at school and carries on through college. They face break-ups and make-ups, experimentation and their evolving personalities until the find out what they truly want.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of working in a new form, and of thinking about these characters and their lives in new ways,” commented Sally Rooney.
The shows were announced by Controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger, who commented, “I am honoured to be today announcing three brand new and contrasting dramas for BBC One, Two and Three.”
Filming dates and casting for all three projects will be announced at a later date.
