DRAMA OF THE WEEK: CHANNEL 5 TO LAUNCH NEW SCRIPTED STRAND

Channel 5 are to launch a new drama strand, currently title 'Drama Of The Week'. The first order for the strand comprises of six one-hour standalone dramas with the focus of brining in low-income talent into the spotlight.

Each drama will showcase a "unique and unexpected story, exploring a variety of themes and topics, including some societal issues. The first three dramas in the series will air this Autumn in a primetime slot on the channel, with the remaining three airing in early 2026".

Channel 5 explain: "The pilot will run with the intention of cementing it next year, offering more production companies the opportunity to get involved. Depending on how they’re received, some of the one-off dramas may later translate into longer running shows on the channel."

Ben Frow, Channel 5’s Chief Content Officer said: "As a public service broadcaster, reflecting the lives of our audience is a huge priority for us. This new strand, in the vein of ‘Play for Today,’ will help bring some of the important issues that affect our viewers to life, whilst also giving talented individuals from low-income backgrounds the chance to shine as part of the productions."

Sebastian Cardwell, Head of Drama & Channel 5’s Deputy Chief Content Officer said: "The launch of this new drama strand is our response to an increasingly worrying and wider economic situation impacting our industry. From well-loved soaps closing to funding disappearing, it’s becoming even more difficult for people from low-income backgrounds to break through via traditional methods...

"We’ve specifically selected to work with Allan Niblo and Nathalie Peter-Contesse (Vertigo Films) and Colin McKeown (LA Productions) as they have a track record in supporting and nurturing this incredibly talented pool of people who need to be given the opportunity to step up."

Allan Niblo, Co-Founder, Vertigo Films said: “We are thrilled to be working with Channel 5 on this much needed drama strand and very much look forward to providing opportunities and discovering and launching exciting new talent, The original “Play For Today” is a huge inspiration for us, and single drama’s like “The Spongers”, “Nuts in May” and “Robin Redbreast” are unforgettable and launched some of the biggest names in the industry.”

More details will be announced in due course.