Six-part true story of the Mitford sisters29th November 2022 UKTV free-to-air channel Drama announces its first UKTV Original commission Outrageous (6x60), produced by Firebird Pictures, and written by Sarah Williams (Small Island, Flesh and Blood, The Long Song).
Outrageous is the true story of six sisters who refused to play by the rules and whose often-scandalous lives made headlines around the world. Set against the gathering storm clouds of the 1930s, Outrageous will bring the full, uncensored story of the Mitford sisters to the screen for the first time - a story of family betrayals, public scandal, political extremism, personal heartache and even imprisonment. Refusing to conform to a world order that was collapsing around them, the show explores how and why these women were so ahead of their time - and what drove them to take their very different, complex and often extreme paths. A family saga like no other, this is the Mitfords as they really were: unapologetic, outrageous and utterly human.
Writer Sarah Williams said,
Ive been intrigued by these notorious sisters for many years and am thrilled to finally be bringing their stories to the screen. Weve seen many fictionalised versions of their lives before, but in this familys case, the truth really is far stranger and more astonishing than anything you could invent. These six headstrong women have often been accused of being mad, bad and dangerous to know - and a couple of them were - but what they all had was the absolute courage of their convictions and to hell with the consequences. And that makes for a cracking good story.
UKTV Original series Outrageous has been commissioned by senior commissioning editor Philippa Collie Cousins with head of scripted Pete Thornton and is ordered by Drama channel director Emma Ayech. The series will be produced by Firebird Pictures, which is wholly owned by BBC Studios, and executive producers are Elizabeth Kilgarriff and Matthew Mosley. Philippa Collie Cousins will executive produce for UKTV.
UKTV senior drama commissioner Philippa Collie Cousins said,
This is an exciting piece of television. A witty, deliciously entertaining and addictive family saga, Outrageous will captivate and enthrall audiences - much like a favourite novel you just cant put down thanks to Sarah Williams clever and inciteful writing. Our aim is for each character to resonate with the audience and stay with them for a long time after the end credits.
Drama channel director Emma Ayech added,
I am delighted to announce the first original commission for Drama which is the next step in our continued ambition to be the destination channel for fans of quality British drama. Outrageous is an instantly gripping story about six fascinating and uncompromising sisters who were the celebrities of their day. Sarah Williams witty and highly engaging scripts will bring the glamour, scandal and heartache of the Mitfords world to life in a way that Dramas audiences will relish.
Firebird Pictures said
When Sarah first talked about wanting to write a show about the Mitfords, we thought that we already knew these women and the scandals and extreme politics that shaped them. But what we didnt know was the real story behind the headlines of six sisters who refused to conform and refused to compromise. Even today their stories would be considered extraordinary and we feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to get beneath the skin of these fascinating, challenging and complex women by bringing Sarahs beautiful and gripping family saga to life onscreen
Cast and crew will be announced over the coming months, with the series due to air exclusively on Drama. Production will commence next summer.
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Sky 143, Virgin Media 130, Freeview, YouView, TalkTalk & BT 20, Freesat 158 +1 Sky 243, Virgin Media 226, Freeview, YouView, TalkTalk & BT 60 On demand on Sky & Virgin Media
Free-to-air channel Drama is passionate about bringing Britain the best quality drama. From period to contemporary, family to comedy, the channel is a treasure trove of well-loved classics and modern drama which showcases the greatest stories ever told. With programmes including familiar favourites Call the Midwife, Pride and Prejudice, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and brand new and exclusive hits The Sister Boniface Mysteries and The Brokenwood Mysteries, this is the channel where viewers can escape and indulge in a handpicked range of the nations most celebrated TV dramas.
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat and Amazon Fire. The broadcaster is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers.
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About Firebird Pictures
Firebird Pictures is a scripted production company set up by former BBC Executives Elizabeth Kilgarriff and Craig Holleworth in 2019. With a particular focus on character-led series, Firebird works with the best writing and directing creatives to produce high end, bold and distinctive content for UK and International audiences. With two major new series in production - Wilderness, written by Marnie Dickens and starring Jenna Coleman for Amazon Prime
