Pre-production is underway on Channel 4‘s new drama about alleged historic sex offences, with filming set for late January in the Leeds area.   

The four-part National Treasure has been written by Jack Thorne (pictured, The Last Panthers, Glue, A Long Way Down) and centres on Paul Finchley, one half of a popular comedy act who has become a household name over decades of fame. His life spirals downwards when he is investigated for a rape which allegedly took place in the 1970s.

The drama is the first commission to go into production from The Forge, the indie set up by George Faber and George Ormond. Marc Munden directs.
 

The Forge is also developing The ABC, a drama set in a northern comprehensive, and The Last Post, set against the backdrop of the British army in Aden in the 1960s.

Subscribers to PI can log in for more details on the productions listed above; non-subscribers can click here for a demo.