Yewtree-inspired drama for Channel 4

Robbie Coltrane is to play a fading comedian caught up in an Operation Yewtree-style police operation into historic sex crimes.

The Comic Strip regular will take the lead role in the four-part Channel 4 drama National Treasure, the Daily Mail's  Baz Bamigboye reports today.

Harry Potter star Coltrane will play Paul Finchley, half of a much-loved comedy double act with a career that spans several decades. It means he's frequently recognised on the street, with fans shouting his catchphrase at him. Then he receives a knock at his door, and faced with an accusation of rape from the 1970s, his life  begins to unravel.

Channel 4 says: 'Paul and all 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 to his loyal (and more successful) comedy partner. And, of course, his accuser, now in her 50s, must run the same gauntlet in parallel.'

Adrian Edmondson has been in talks to play the other comedian, but has not been confirmed, Bamigboye reports.

The drama is written by Jack Thorne, whose credits include the acclaimed This is England '86, '88, '90 series, as well as the forthcoming Harry Potter play for the West End.

He 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?'

Filming is set to start in Leeds next month, and the serial will air later this year.

Piers Wenger, Channel 4's 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.'

Published: 22 Jan 2016