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New UK drama for Sarah Lancashire

Happy Valley star to play a no-nonsense social worker in 2018 drama from the writer of National Treasure.

Acclaimed Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire has a new UK drama in the pipeline, written by Jack Thorne (National Treasure).

A 4-part serial drama Kiri (working title) will examine the abduction and death of a young black girl who is soon-to-be-adopted by her white foster family, and the trail of lies, blame, guilt and notoriety that follows.

Sarah Lancashire will play an experienced, no-nonsense social worker who loves and believes in her job, but has a maverick and instinctive approach to protecting the children in her care. Miriam arranges for Kiri to have an unsupervised visit with her biological grandparents. But when Kiri disappears during the visit, the fingers of suspicion and blame from the police, the press, and even her colleagues, point firmly at Miriam. As the media spotlight around the story intensifies, Miriam, as well as both sets of families, are forced to ask the toughest questions, not just of themselves, but of each other.

Beth Willis, Channel 4 Head of Drama, says: “We are so honoured and excited to have Jack return to Channel 4 for Kiri. Jack’s characters are uncompromising and contradictory and always utterly, recognisably human – his typical wit and warmth blast off the page right from the start. We are so thrilled to have the perfect Sarah Lancashire bringing the funny, bold and troubled Miriam to life.”

Jack Thorne, writer, says: “My Mum spent most of her life in the caring professions and I’ve always wanted to find a way of examining the pressures they are put under. I’m so grateful as always for the bravery and brilliance of Channel 4 in being prepared to look these issues in the face.”

It will begin shooting in 2017 to air in the UK in 2018. An Australian broadcaster is yet to be announced.

2 Responses

  1. This should be good. Sarah is excellent in everything she’s in and National Treasure was outstanding.
    No doubt very bleak though, if it’s in the vein of Happy Valley and NT.
    These shows remind me very much of Jimmy McGovern’s works such as Cracker, Accused and The Lakes – same bleak, gritty style..

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