Filming begins for Profumo affair drama
FILMING of a new drama about one of the defining scandals of the 1960s began this week in Bristol.
The Profumo affair rocked the establishment to its core when it came to light in 1963.
Showgirl Christine Keeler, who died last year aged 75, became notorious when she had an affair with Tory cabinet minister John Profumo and a Russian diplomat at the same time at the height of the Cold War.
The scandal nearly destroyed Harold Macmillan’s govern- ment. Profumo, who was eventually forced to resign after lying to Parliament about the affair, will be played by Ben Miles, while James Norton will play Stephen Ward, who was tried for living off ‘immoral earnings’ after claims that he introduced women, including Keeler, to rich clients.
Penned by novelist Amanda Coe, and directed by Andrea Harkin, the series aims to take a fresh look at the scandal.
It will examine the sexual and cultural politics of the events.
Sophie Cookson, who is playing Keeler, said: “I’m delighted to be playing Christine Keeler in this new drama. Amanda Coe has written an illuminating script about a vivid, complex woman who has previously, it seems, been reduced and misunderstood.
“Now feels like the perfect time to reconsider her life, and redress the balance.”
Nocturnal Animals actress Ellie Bamber will play Keeler’s friend, Mandy Rice-Davies, while Emilia Fox will play Profumo’s wife, Valerie.