STV to make prison drama for Channel 4

The writer of the award-winning drama The Victim and STV are to make a major new show focusing on two female prison officers working in an all-male jail.

Filming is due to get underway later this year on Screw, which has already been snapped up by Channel 4 for broadcast.

Writer Rob Williams was nominated for a BAFTA for last year’s legal thriller The Victim, which starred Kelly Macdonald, James Harkness and John Hannah.

The new show, which is set to be made in Scotland by ST V’s production arm and set in an unnamed city, is billed as “an uncensored, terrifying and often darkly funny reality of life as an officer in an all-male prison in 21st century Britain.”

The two central characters, new recruit Rose and senior officer Leigh, are said to both be harbouring secrets which could endanger careers and lives if they are discovered.

Williams, who also worked with ST Von The Victim, said: “I’ve wanted to write about prisons ever since teaching in that environmen tina former life. I’ve maintained close links since then and the idea has grown. I wouldn’t want to pursue a project that means so much to me with anybody else.”