Red light spells danger
ITV struck a rich seam of drama 25 years ago as Band Of Gold followed the lives of a group of Bradford sex workers terrorised by a serial killer
THE HUNT for a serial killer targeting sex workers caused a sensation 25 years ago. Hard-hitting series Band Of Gold began on ITV on March 12, 1995, and highlighted the dangers facing a group of women working the red light district’s streets in Bradford.
It became one of the most popular dramas of the 1990s and saw Geraldine James as local kingpin Rose Garrity, Samantha Morton as damaged teen prostitute Tracy and Cathy Tyson as single mum Carol.
Singer and actress Barbara Dickson also appeared as a character called Anita Braithwaite who rented out rooms in her flat to the women.
The series began with Ruth Gemmell as a young mother desperate to do anything to get out of crippling debt after kicking out her abusive husband.
Band Of Gold also featured an early TV appearance by future Game Of Thrones star Lena Headey, who said playing a lesbian prostitute Colette brought her a big gay following.
The groundbreaking script came from Leeds-born Kay Mellor, who had done a little writing for Brookside and Coronation Street. She was working at a call centre when she and her husband passed through a red light district on the way to a party.
The experience led to her penning the gritty drama, which saw more than 15 million viewers watch every week. Kay, who has gone on to find TV success with Fat Friends, In The Club and The Syndicate, recently returned to Band Of Gold and wrote and directed the world premiere of the new stage production. She once called Band Of Gold her “biggest break” and said: “You don’t need anything to write – just a pencil and paper. If you want to write for TV, you have to watch it and study it. “Notice how people speak and what interests you or makes you laugh.”