First look images released for major new Channel 4 drama ‘Brian and Margaret’, starring Steve Coogan as Brian Walden and Harriet Walter as Margaret Thatcher

2 October 2024

Written by RTS award-winner James Graham (Sherwood, Quiz, Brexit: The Uncivil War), and based on political editor and TV producer, Rob Burley’s book Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?:  Searching for the Truth on Political TV, six first look images have been released for Brian and Margaret, which is coming next year to Channel 4.

The images feature two-time Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan (The Reckoning, Philomena) as Brian Walden, the ‘much feared inquisitor’ and Harriet Walter (Succession, Ted Lasso, Silo) as prime minister Margaret Thatcher, in the two-part drama which has been directed by Academy Award nominee and BAFTA-winning Stephen Frears (A Very English Scandal, Florence Foster Jenkins, Philomena).

1989. When Brian and Margaret came together for their last ever TV interview, little did they know they were about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time. The 45-minute showdown became a national talking point and set in train a series of events that ended with Margaret’s resignation. Afterwards, they never spoke again…

Brian and Margaret is a 2x60” drama from Baby Cow Productions, one of BBC Studios’ owned production labels, and has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Ollie Madden, Director of Film 4 and Head of Channel 4 Drama alongside Ben Wadey, Drama Commissioning Executive. Executive producers are Sarah Monteith (The Ballad of Wallis Island, Changing Ends, Chivalry), Delyth Scudamore (Toxic Town, A Very British Scandal), Rupert Majendie (The Ballad of Wallis Island, Brian and Charles). Dan Winch (Black Mirror, Quiz, A Very English Scandal) is the producer. BBC Studios are the international distributors of the series.

For more information, please contact:
Harriet Wilson, Publicity Manager, Channel 4 Drama, Comedy & Acquisitions
hwilson@channel4.co.uk