Happy Valley writer, Sally Wainwright, is returning to the BBC with a new West Yorkshire-based drama, Hot Flush.
The 6-part drama centres on the lives of 5 women of a certain age, who come together to create a “makeshift, butt-of-the-joke punk-rock band” in order to enter a talent contest. But during rehearsals they realise they have a lot more to say than they ever imagined.
Suddenly the band becomes a catalyst for change in their lives.
“I’ve been wanting to write a series like this for a long time. It’s a celebration of women of a certain age, and all the life-stuff they suddenly find themselves negotiating/dealing with,” explained Wainwright, who is both writer and executive producer.
“The show is also my own personal homage to Rock Follies of ’77, and the feisty Little Ladies who woke me up to what I wanted to do with my life when I was 13. I’m thrilled to be working with Charlotte again at the BBC, looking forward hugely to working with Lindsay, and utterly delighted to (finally!) be working with Roanna again at Drama Republic.”
Made by Drama Republic (Doctor Foster), it’s set in Hebden Bridge.
“In Hot Flush, Sally has found a unique way to explore and celebrate female friendships that is bold, vital and true,” added Roanna Benn, executive producer.
“In inimitable Sally-style, Hot Flush introduces us to brilliant and unforgettable characters; it is so funny, and simultaneously so full of drama, it will have you laughing and sitting on the edge of your seat. This is a show about the women who hold up modern Britain, their stories urgently need to be told, and who better than Sally Wainwright to do that.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama added:
“We’re so excited to have the magnificent Sally Wainwright back writing on the BBC, with the brilliant Drama Republic team producing. Hot Flush is a sharply observed, vibrant and vital story of five very different women at the same stage in their lives, joined together by their love of music. But that’s just the start and – as you’d expect from Sally – there are twists and turns aplenty to keep viewers enthralled.”
