Russell T. Davies Pens New 3-Part Drama For BBC
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has written a new 3-part drama for the BBC. Based on a true story, A Very English Scandal tells the story of former leader of the Liberal party, Jeremy Thorpe (pictured). Thorpe’s career ended after allegations he had his former lover, Norman Scott, killed when Scott threatened to reveal their relationship.
The BBC’s official preview is as follows:
It is the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been decriminalised, and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal party and the youngest leader of any British political party in a hundred years, has a secret he’s desperate to hide.
Russell T. Davies broke the news on his instagram account yesterday.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTr8I8Hl0kK/
The drama will be based on John Preston’s book, A Very English Scandal: Sex, Lies, and a Murder Plot at the Heart of the Establishment, and Stephen Frears (Philomena) will direct.
Writer, Davies said:
I’ve wanted to write this story for years, ever since I was 16 and saw it unfold on the news. It’s probably the first gay story I ever heard. John Preston’s brilliant book illuminates a vital and fascinating piece of British history.
The drama will air in 2018.