25/03/2009

Channel 4 To Film Mowlam Drama

Acclaimed actress Julie Walters will play former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam (pictured) in a one-off Channel 4 drama, to be filmed this summer.

The film will focus on the late politician's contribution to the province's peace process and highlight her time in Tony Blair's New Labour government.

Ms Mowlam was a key player in forming the 1998 Good Friday Agreement during her two year tenure at Hillsborough Castle.

The MP was first diagnosed with cancer in 1997, suffering from a brain tumour. She died in 2005, aged 55.

Simply entitled Mo, the drama will be shot this summer and broadcast on Channel 4 next year.

Neil McKay, the writer behind ITV's See No Evil: The Moors Murders, based the Mo screenplay on interviews he had with Ms Mowlam's family, friends and political colleagues.

He also met with former First Minister Lord Trimble and Sinn Feín Executive Minister Martin McGuinness.

Liza Marchall, Head of Channel 4 drama, said: "Mo Mowlam is one of the most inspiring figures of our recent political past and I can't think of an actress who could more powerfully capture her energy, wit and ultimately the tragedy of her situation than Julie Walters."

The rest of the cast is yet to be confirmed.

Details of the film were discussed at the unveiling of the station's spring and summer line-up.

Channel 4 said it will aim to "depict both the politician and the woman behind the public persona", the drama "is also a personal portrait and love story, depicting the happiness she found late in life through marriage, and her courageous battle with ill-health."

(PR/BMcC)

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