The Stage

Mellor pens Yorkshire vet drama for BBC1

Published Wednesday 10 May 2006 at 11:40 by Liz Thomas

BBC1 is developing a new drama about a veterinary practice in Yorkshire, which will be written by Kay Mellor.

The Chase features an all-star cast including Keith Barron, Gaynor Faye and Nicola Stephenson as a family of vets serving the fictional local community of Oxley.

Jane Tranter, BBC controller of drama, said: “This is Kay’s first production for the BBC since Playing the Field and we’re delighted to have her back. Kay Mellor’s talents as a writer and producer are well known, and The Chase is Kay at her very best. She has created a compelling, emotional drama packed with humour, intelligence and pathos, with some captivating characters, played out by some of the UK’s leading acting talent.”

The production is currently being filmed and is expected to be broadcast later this year. The series is produced by Hugh Warren whose team of directors features Jamie Payne, Jennifer Perrott, Juliet May and Sue Tully. The executive producers are Kay Mellor, Yvonne Francas and Polly Hill.

The series is being filmed in high definition and is made by Rollem Productions.

Mellor said: “I’m delighted to be back writing for the BBC with a series set in Yorkshire. There’s nothing like working from home, writing about home.”