Harriet Walter transforms for the Sherwood boss’s new Channel 4 drama

Channel 4 has published the first photos of Brian and Margaret, starring Harriet Walter.

The drama, written by Sherwood Boss James Graham sees Walter play former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher alongside Steve Coogan’s Brian Walden – the late Labor MP turned infamous political interviewer.

First look images show Walter transformed as Thatcher, dressed in her signature skirt suit and hairstyle.

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In several photos she can be seen sitting in a chair across from Coogan in a television studio, referencing the famous Thatcher and Walden interview on which the series is based.

“1989. When Brian and Margaret came together for their final television interview, little did they know that they would be embarking on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time,” the show’s synopsis reads.

“The 45-minute showdown became a national topic of conversation and set off a series of events that ended with Margaret’s resignation. After that they never spoke to each other again…”

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Based on the book Why is this lying bastard lying to me?: Searching for the truth in political television by Rob Burley, Brian and Margaret will recreate the interview in two 60-minute episodes.

The series will air on Channel 4 next year, with BBC Studios handling international distribution.

Brian and Margaret It is directed by BAFTA winner Stephen Frears, who is known for A very English scandal And Philomena – also starring Steve Coogan.

Author Graham said the series will explore the “intimate and complicated relationship” between Walden and Thatcher.

“An epic play full of love and betrayal, and I think audiences will be surprised by a lot of it,” he says. “I know it was me.”

A release date for Brian and Margaret will be announced later.

Brian and Margaret will air on Channel 4 in 2025.

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Deputy News Editor, Digital Spy

Emily is an experienced entertainment writer and editor covering all things television, film, soaps and showbiz. Emily is an NCTJ qualified journalist with a First Class Honors degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, where Emily previously worked Hello Magazine, BBC South News And Good to know. She joined Digital Spy as deputy news editor in May 2023 and became deputy news editor the following year.
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