Steven Knight to adapt SAS: Rogue Heroes for BBC One

Staff Editor

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Steven Knight will bring Ben Macintyre’s SAS: Rogue Heroes book to screen for BBC One.

The best-selling book tells the incredible story of how the world’s most renowned and ruthless Special Forces unit, the SAS, came to exist. The series will be adapted by the Peaky Blinders and Taboo writer and produced by Kudos (part of Endemol Shine UK), whose credits include Broadchurch (ITV), The Tunnel (Sky Atlantic) and Humans (Channel 4).

Written with privileged access to the secret SAS archives, the definitive account of SAS history will tell the story behind the revolutionary thinking that led to the creation of a new form of combat and warfare in the deserts of North Africa. Celebrating the glory, action and camaraderie at the heart of this story, the series will delve into the psychology of the flawed, reckless but brave group of maverick officers and men who formed the SAS in the darkest days of World War Two.

Knight says: “This will be a secret history telling the story of exceptional soldiers who decided battles and won wars only to then disappear back into the shadows. We will shine a light on remarkable true events informed by the people who shaped them.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, adds: “It is an honour to be working once again with the great Steve Knight. SAS: Rogue Heroes will lift the lid on the origins of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions and explore the characters, courage and flaws of the men involved with all of the honesty and swagger we have come to expect from Steve.”

The six-part drama was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content. It will be executive produced by Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos and Tommy Bulfin for BBC One.