Broadcaster Channel 5 has confirmed production will begin shortly on a new three-part drama set around the construction of the new £49m Gedling Access Road.
Rumours about the new show began circulating yesterday after renowned freelance drama producer Mark Swift shared a selfie on Instagram from the new bypass with the caption ‘looking forward to telling your story’.
A press release was quickly issued by the broadcaster, who confirmed that plans were in place for a three-part drama series.
The series has a working title of ‘Where There’s A Will, There’s A Colliery Way’ – although this could change nearer to transmission.
Deputy director of programmes for Channel 5 Sebastian Cardwell said: “It’s been fifty years in the making and the story around this remarkable road’s construction is one we feel just needs to be told.
“This beautiful bypass is now here despite opposition from residents, challenges because of Covid and going over budget. It was unstoppable!
“A number of people really believed in the dream of having a new road here and we want to tell their dramatic story.
“We feel it will make ideal Sunday night viewing and sit alongside our other quality dramas like ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and The Larkins’.
Auditions began last week with producers confirming the search was on to find actors to play Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley, John Clarke, who leads Gedling Borough Council and Gedling MP Tom Randall.
The story will be told from the point of view of fictional Gedling resident and campaigner Graham Piper, who believes the new bypass will bring prosperity to the area.
Former Coronation Street actress Wendi Peters has been signed up to play Ruth Bannerman, a local conservationist who leads the fight to stop the construction and protect local wildlife.
Production is set to begin in the summer and the three episodes will air in January 2023.
Gedling Access Road was finally opened up to motorists last week after being under construction for just over two years.
Now we need the final piece of road through the wimpy estate. The land required has been a green section protected from being built upon. Was a tunnel initially proposed or was that just a rumour?
I hope the TV company are going to fund at least some of the overspend on this beautiful but short-sighted road: the road that goes nowhere thanks to the crude junctions at both ends.
Good one!
This must be a April fools joke who in there right mind would make a drama about a road there is enough crap on TV already we do not want any more
What next!!!! unbelievable
Andrew S
Need to speak to the residents who have put up with the rats, frogs, dust & dirt coming into their houses & gardens – never mind the constant disruptions for people trying to get to work!! I’m talking about the Gedling pit estate people who have been completely forgotten about but are the backbone of Gedling!
…some born every minute!