C4 plans more Blair-based drama

Published Tuesday 16 January 2007 at 15:10 by Liz Thomas

Channel 4 is in talks to make another drama about the government, following on from A Very Social Secretary and The Trial of Tony Blair.

The broadcaster has hit the headlines for its productions tackling David Blunkett’s affair with publisher Kimberly Quinn and the prime minister’s future once he leaves office - both broadcasting first on digital station More4.

A source told The Stage: “There is room for another piece. It could look at the time around Blair’s actual handover of power or it could take the trial idea further. These are still very interesting times for the Labour government and that lends itself to drama.”

Robert Lindsay, who has been acclaimed for his portrayal of Blair in both productions, has said that he would like to take the role further, while writer Alistair Beaton revealed he had already outlined some ideas for another show.

Channel 4 is forging a reputation for its political productions - The Deal, tackling the alleged pact between Blair and Gordon Brown following the death of party leader John Smith, and David Kelly piece The Government Inspector both picked up Baftas.

The move follows the broadcaster’s senior drama commissioner Frances Hopkinson’s call for more controversial and angrier programmes that fuelled debate.

He said: “Drama needs to get angrier and more political. The government has been given a really easy ride so far and that must change. We need to challenge the reactionary consensus but also the soft left consensus in our work. Drama doesn’t really upset people enough and it needs to do that.”

This spring, ITV1 is screening Confessions of a Diary Secretary, a satire based on John Prescott’s fall from grace following revelations of his affair with secretary Tracey Temple. It stars John Henshaw and Maxine Peake.