Steve Pemberton to star as Tony Martin in C4 drama about burglar’s killing based on the real-life tragedy
EITHER someone in Channel 4’s commissioning department is keeping a close eye on the news, or the timing of their latest programme is a fluke.
But just weeks after the Hither Green fatal burglary grabbed headlines, they are revisiting another infamous break-in that went wrong.
I can reveal Bafta-winning actor Steve Pemberton will play British farmer Tony Martin, who was originally sentenced to life in prison for murdering 16-year-old burglar Fred Barras in his farmhouse.
The case, which caused a fierce national debate at the time in 1999, is now being turned into a gritty hour-long drama called The Interrogation.
It will revolve around the three days following his arrest for shooting two burglars. At his trial, Martin argued he had used reasonable force to defend himself and his property and, after a successful appeal, his charge was downgraded to manslaughter. He served three years.
Channel bosses say it will shed light on what was said in the police interviews after Tony handed over the transcripts.
And alongside Steve, best known for his roles in Happy Valley and Benidorm, Channel 4 have bagged Line Of Duty’s Daniel Mays. A source said: “The story of Tony Martin really grabbed the nation in 1999, and it’s a huge topic again now with Hither Green.
“What was said between him and police has never properly been heard, so this will give the public a fresh look at the whole case.”
Steve said: “Now we finally get to hear the account directly from Tony Martin. I’m looking forward to being part of such a groundbreaking drama.”
The combination of Steve and this real-life story, sounds like a hit.
must watch
- WHAT? The Split, BBC1, 9pm.
- WHY? New six-part drama series starring NICOLA WALKER and STEPHEN MANGAN. It follows divorce lawyer Hannah (Walker) who quits the family firm to join a rival. The eldest of three sisters, she finally faces her father Oscar, who walked out on the family 30 years ago.
Enders' June signs on Dot-ted line
EASTENDERS bosses better get bulk-buying the cigarettes – as show legend June Brown is sticking around for a while.
The soap veteran – who will turn 92 next year – has inked her name on a new contract, so her chain-smoking character Dot Cotton will be on the BBC1 soap for the foreseeable future.
A telly source said: “BBC bosses know June has a huge fanbase and she’s a big draw for older viewers.
“She’s a real character and the rest of the cast and crew love her too. They want her to be on the show as long as she feels comfortable acting, so they are delighted she has agreed to renew her contract.
“June finds working regularly keeps her feeling young at heart and she enjoys the job immensely.”
June has been a regular on Albert Square since 1985, apart from a four-year break 1993 and 1997.
She also took six months off in 2012 to pen her autobiography.
Earlier this year June appeared on ITV’s 100 Years Younger in 21 Days, which saw her try wacky anti-ageing treatments like splashing her face with wee and letting snails crawl across her.
Last night June said: “I’m delighted that EastEnders have allowed me to keep playing Dot whilst also accommodating me to take on other work opportunities.”
Like putting wee on your face all in the name of telly.
bizbit
THE veterans ITV’s Last Laugh In Vegas are planning a UK tour. Singer JESS CONRAD said: “We’ve got dates pencilled in – Blackpool, the London Palladium and Bournemouth. It’d be a fantastic show.”
Hat's all wrong
THE BBC’s big-budget new drama The Woman In White has been branded “historically inaccurate” by experts.
The prime-time series, which is set in the Victorian era and debuted on Sunday, was littered with factual mistakes, with garments appearing 30 years too early.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
In a scene set in 1859, lead character Marian Halcombe, played by Jessie Buckley, was shown wearing bloomers which weren’t introduced until the late 1890s. And female characters were seen outside without hats, which was almost unthinkable.
But it wasn’t just clothing the Beeb bungled.
Walter Hartright, played by former EastEnder Ben Hardy, repeatedly said the word “OK”, which is a 20th-century Americanism. Author and Victorian-era expert Carol Hedges said: “There is no excuse not to be historically accurate. A disservice was done to the period by lazy research.”
Clearly viewers agreed, as nearly a million switched off over the course of the hour.
soapbox
In EMMERDALE, the big trial begins. Ross, still grappling with the life-changing injuries caused by his acid attack, prays for justice.
Jimmy is terrified of being ridiculed and Graham makes a business proposition to Megan – but hints his interest is not purely professional.
In EASTENDERS, residents are furious about Max’s return, especially when they hear what he has to tell them.
Mick and Linda make it obvious he is not welcome in The Vic, so Mel offers him the use of E20, which only serves to irritate Jack.
Meanwhile, Arshad worries when he discovers the CCTV has been vandalised.