Material revealed in new Dinnerladies documentary

Victoria Wood’s previously unseen notebooks, backstage photos, diaries and studio records are to be revealed in a new TV series paying tribute to her sitcom Dinnerladies.

The UKTV Gold channel has commissioned three hour-long episodes to mark the 20th anniversary of her comedy series next year.

The broadcaster says:  ‘Dinnerladies Diaries tells the story of how this groundbreaking comedy was conceived, developed, produced and why Victoria chose to end it after just two series.’

Iain Coyle, the executive producer for UKTV, said: ‘These days the phrase "national treasure’" gets bandied about all too often but in Victoria’s case, it is apt and accurate.  

‘The folks at Phil McIntyre TV have uncovered some extraordinary material, that will give us a unique insight into how one of our best-loved shows was conceived and produced."

And Lindsay Jex from the programme-makers added: ‘We have unearthed some truly amazing unseen gems from the archive combined with first-hand insight from the cast and crew, this series will tell the definitive story of this award-winning sitcom. ‘

The commission follows other retrospective documentaries on Gold, including The Story Of Only Fools And Horses,  Bring Me Morecambe and Wise and The Interviews.

Published: 13 Sep 2017