Channel 5 revives Play for Today to support new talent

Cast members from 'Footballers' Wives: The Musical' pose during a photocall celebrating British television drama heritage (Illustrative image) (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images

Channel 5 is reviving the iconic Play for Today anthology series to champion emerging talent from lower-income backgrounds. The broadcaster has commissioned four single dramas that will pair established stars with newcomers, providing new pathways into television for young writers, actors and producers.

The commissioned dramas tackle contemporary British issues with recognisable talent leading emerging voices. Special Measures explores pressures facing underfunded schools, starring former EastEnders actress Jessica Plummer as a deputy head dealing with a surprise Ofsted inspection in Liverpool.

Never Too Late offers an irreverent take on ageing, following a rebellious woman forced into a retirement village. Big Winners tells the story of a couple who win fourteen million pounds but face divorce, while Intruder presents a psychological thriller about a disgraced celebrity confronting his past.

Star Power Supporting New Voices

EastEnders legend Anita Dobson leads Never Too Late as Cynthia, joined by former Coronation Street actor Nigel Havers and It's A Sin star Tracy-Ann Oberman. Sue Johnston from The Royle Family and Paul Copley from Downton Abbey star in Big Winners as the lottery-winning couple.

Alan Davies from Jonathan Creek and Nikki Amuka-Bird from I May Destroy You anchor Intruder. The productions deliberately pair established talent with newcomers, including NFTS graduate Daniel Rands making his directorial debut.

Reviving Television Heritage

According to The Guardian, the original Play for Today ran from 1970 to 1984, producing over 300 productions that launched major British careers and tackled controversial social issues. Channel 5 now produces more than 100 hours of original drama annually, compared to just a handful several years ago.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor for Channel 5, said: "Play for Today is synonymous with high quality standalone television dramas and we're incredibly excited to be reviving it with a new slate of single films on 5. What makes this particularly important for us as a public service broadcaster is the opportunity to support emerging talent behind the scenes - from writers and directors to production teams - especially those from lower-income backgrounds who haven't always had clear pathways into the industry. It's a chance to tell great stories while helping to shape the future of British drama."

Production Timeline

Production has begun across all four titles through LA Productions and Vertigo Films. The first drama is set to air on Channel 5 at the end of 2025, marking the return of one of British television's most influential formats.

Sources used: "PA Media", "The Guardian", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.