Doctor Who writer to receive achievement award at TV festival

Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies is to be honoured with an outstanding achievement award at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.

The award-winning screenwriter and producer will be recognised for some of his biggest hits, including Queer As Folk, The Second Coming and Casanova.

As well as contributing to the world-famous sci-fi series between 2005 and 2011, Davies, 54, also worked on spinoff shows Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, and received an OBE in 2008.

More recently, he was 0 Russell T Davies has worked on a number of hit TV shows awarded a best drama writer Bafta for his work on Channel 4’s Lgbt-based cult trilogy Banana, Cucumber and Tofu.

Davies’ latest accolade will be presented by his colleague and Red Production Company founder Nicola Schindler during the festival on 24 August, and she will talk to him about his career during a ticketed Q&A session the following day.

The event adds to a busy calendar for Davies, who is currently working on his next creation, A Very English Scandal, based on the life of disgraced 1970s MP Jeremy Thorpe.

Hugh Grant takes centre stage in the BBC One film, directed by Stephen Frears and coming to screens next year.

Diederick Santer, advisory chair at the festival, said: “I am delighted that Russell is returning to the TV Festival.” Multi-award-winning equity release specialist Age Partnership can help homeowners decide if equity release is right for them, how much they can release and what impact it could have on the size of their estate including their entitlement to means-tested benefits now, or in the future. Equity release may involve a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. You only continue to own your own home with a lifetime mortgage, which is secured against your property. They provide initial advice for free and without obligation. Only if you choose to proceed and your case completes would a typical fee of 2% of the amount released be payable.