Stephen Graham: “You need to give people opportunities to tell the stories that are out there to be told”

Stephen Graham (Credit: Channel 4)

Despite Stephen Graham’s star status among Hollywood’s elite, he is still one of the most down to earth actors in the business.

Although he has worked with some of the biggest stars over the years, for him, there was only one person that left him feeling starstruck.

“Steven Gerrard,” Graham laughed. “That’s the only time I’ve ever lost my bottle, I found myself talking posh and thought, ‘Stephen, what are you doing? Shut up, where’s this voice come from?’”

RTS Programme Awards 2020 in partnership with Audio Network

Watch the live stream here

The awards seek to recognise programmes which, in the year in question, have made a material and positive contribution to their genre: either because their originality in form or content has in some way moved the genre on, or perhaps created a new genre; or because their quality has set standards which other programme-makers can learn from and emulate.

In conversation with Jeff Pope

Starring Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton, A Confession, is based on the true story of Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher, who breached police protocol to catch a killer, costing him his career.

As the writer of dramas including Mrs Biggs, Little Boy Blue and Cilla, Jeff will also discuss highlights from his award-winning career. Filled with clips and stories, this promises to be an evening not to be missed.

The Galaxy Britain Built - The British talent behind Star Wars, Screening and Q&A (Norwich)

Star Wars is a global phenomenon.

The Galaxy Britain Built tells the story of British artists, designers and filmmakers who worked on it, and reveals the secrets of the creation of some of the most famous costumes, props and sets in movie history.

RTS East invites you to this very special screening of The Galaxy Britain Built hosted by BBC Look East presenter and Star Wars Superfan, David Whiteley. We are delighted that the screening will be followed by a Q&A session with legendary Film Producer, Robert Watts.

From Birmingham to Hollywood: In Conversation with David Harewood

David will talk about growing up in Birmingham, his illustrious career on stage, TV and in film over the last 30 years and his new BBC documentary David Harewood: My Psychosis and Me. 

This event is free to attend but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  

Media partner: BBC WM 

Sponsored by: Film Birmingham 

Why We Love...Food

Reflecting the nations tastes and sensibilities over the years, it seamlessly moves from practical to flamboyant; competitive to journalistic, attracting broad and loyal audiences year after year. One of the richest genres on television, it’s launched celebrity chefs as famous as movie stars, instigated political change and gripped the nation with show stoppers and soggy bottoms.

Investigation Uncovered

But while bravery and tenacity are vital, the journalists who take on these stories are masters of research. We hear from those who have brought us some of the most pertinent stories of recent years. The stories they've worked on range from the nation-shaking revelations of Cambridge Analytica’s political influence to the facts of life in authoritarian societies, and confront the damning allegations of sexual abuse by R Kelly and the grim realities of stalking and harassment faced by young women in this country.

Jodie Comer: The woman behind TV's most ruthless villain

With a wardrobe to die for and a closet of weapons that would impress an international arms dealer, Comer’s refreshing portrayal of the free-spirited assassin threw all of television’s gendered troupes out the window. Cold, ruthless and carefree, Villanelle is not your typical female character in a spy drama.

“This role should be stereotypically one-dimensional and probably played by a man, but Phoebe [Waller-Bridge] has completely turned all those stereotypes on their head,” says Comer.