Tuesday 7 February 2012, 12:46
Whenever I get the call offering me a new job, it's always the same old response: the panic, the urge to run, change my phone number, buy a wig. This is it - this is the one where they'll 'find me out'. So it was no different when Tiger Aspect commissioned me to create an ensemble drama about a group of women with a family member in prison. Sweaty palms, sleepless nights..what do I know about the criminal justice system?
And then - the life raft. Research. Myself and my fellow writers, James Graham and Chloe Moss, spent months visiting prisons, talking to offenders, chaplains and, most importantly of all, to families and partners of the men inside. It was a both a privilege and an eye opener but that's not to say it wasn't tricky. You're asking people about what is clearly the most traumatic time in their lives - but their response was an inspiration. These women were idiosyncratic, brave, funny and resilient and we were very lucky to have their support.
Image from BBC One drama, Prisoners' Wives.
Prisoners' Wives is a mainstream show, popular telly, aiming to get a mass audience. To that end, I was asked to create strong characters who undergo big transformative journeys, but it was the moments of truth and authenticity that these women generously shared with us that I hope will connect most with our audience.
Download the script for episode one of Prisoners' Wives, written by Julie Gearey from our online script library.
Watch a clip from the episode below.
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Thursday 2 February 2012, 12:47
Thursday 9 February 2012, 16:17
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Comment number 1.
dorafromthedump11th February 2012 - 10:07
have got to know a couple of 'lifers' recently and visited one on a couple of occasions,
Think the script is excellent. Perhaps casting of two leading actresses a bit too glamourous.
But it is really touching and I hope it will be watched and people learn about the 'invisible'
side of the result of sentencing.
Of course what an fascinating comparison if parallel program done on male partners of female
prisoners.
Congratulations - A sincere work.
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Comment number 2.
Doreen Odell21st February 2012 - 23:40
I have been watching Prisoners' Wives over the last few weeks and I consider the content extremely informative and I am now very much aware of what it must be like for families in these situations. Thank goodness I have never been in such a situation and that my children have grown into responsible adults. the acting is "excellent" so emotional - congratulations to you all - well done.
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Comment number 3.
ziggyzee6th March 2012 - 23:24
This programme is brilliant at last BBC has found a writer. This is amazing, This is the type of thing you will see on More 4, or C4. BBC you are winning me back with this show. WELL DONE!!!
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Comment number 4.
neuropolitique6th March 2012 - 23:43
Very good writing.
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Comment number 5.
Maz7th March 2012 - 6:29
Amazing series, so insightful. Stayed true to life and was wrapped up nicely but still leaving scope for more. It was great to follow the journeys which each of the characters took. Would love more but completely pleased and satisfied with what you accomplished. What on earth am I going to look forward to on a Tuesday at 9pm now. Thank you for an amazing drama. More of the same please.
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Comments 5 of 6