'National Treasure' For Channel 4

Channel 4 has announced the commission of a new four-part serial drama, National Treasure, which will look at accusations of sexual misconduct against a fictional public figure and explore their impact on the accused and those associated with him as he is brought to trial.

Paul Finchley is one half of a much loved comedy double act with a career that spans a number of decades. One day, he receives a knock at his door. Faced with an accusation of rape from the 1970s, his life begins to unravel.

Paul and those closest to him are put under the intense pressure of the investigation and the merciless media circus that accompanies it; from his wife and family, to his manager and his loyal – and more successful – comedy partner.

Paul's accuser, now in her 50s, also faces the same pressures.

As the investigation and criminal trial work their way towards a verdict, memories that have become muddied in the intervening four decades are dredged, doubts flourish, loyalties are tested, and truths, half-truths and lies are all exposed.

National Treasure was written by Jack Thorne, who said: "What I've always loved about Channel 4 is that it's a place to discuss big ideas. National Treasure is a piece about doubt, about the smell of abuse, about how we as a society live in Yewtree times. Paul is a man who could be innocent or guilty. We're going to examine him from all sides and ask that big question – how well do we know the people closest to us?"

George Faber, co-executive producer, said: "In recent years we've been bombarded with revelations about the historic sex offences of people in the public eye and the lives that they've destroyed. This fictional drama explores the emotional impact on both a family that finds itself in the eye of such a media story, and on the accuser – and tackles the complex relationship between celebrity, sex and power."

Piers Wenger, Channel 4 Head of Drama, added: "National Treasure is a powerful drama that goes beyond recent headlines, exploring the human and emotional impact when a whole life is called into question. In Jack's hands it's an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of memory, truth, age, doubt, and how well we really know ourselves and those closest to us. This, coupled with its evident topicality, makes it a perfect addition to the Channel 4 drama slate."

National Treasure was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Channel 4 Head of Drama, with Beth Willis and Roberto Troni. It will begin shooting in January 2016 and is expected to air on Channel 4 later that year. Casting is yet to be announced.

National Treasure is written by Jack Thorne, and will be directed by Marc Munden.

This four-part serial is the second Channel 4 commission for new production company The Forge.

National Treasure is executive produced by George Ormond and George Faber.

www.channel4.com

(JP)