Huge boost for Netflix’s troubled Spice Girls drama as streamer makes major backstage signing
NETFLIX’S drama about the Spice Girls is back on track after the streaming giant signed one of Britain’s biggest TV writers to create a pilot.
The troubled project has struggled to get off the ground after the bandmates were at daggers drawn through much of 2024.
But with the prospect of a multi-million-pound world tour next year, they seemed to have magically smoothed things over.
Now I can reveal that Jack Rooke, the comedian and creator of hit Channel 4 comedy Big Boys, is writing the script for the drama which next year will celebrate three decades since the group’s debut single, Wannabe.
A TV insider said: “Bagging Jack is a real coup for the project and might be the crucial element that drives the drama forward after its rocky start.
“He already has a relationship with Mel C, who’s a huge fan of his comedy Big Boys, and that could be the pivotal connection that takes things on to the next stage. Of course, Netflix has yet to confirm it has commissioned the show and there’s still a lot to play for. But there now seems to be a genuine will to make things happen.
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“No matter what Jack comes up with, it will be a loving and funny look at the band he grew up listening to in the Nineties and Noughties.”
Since Big Boys launched three years ago, Jack has been nominated for a string of awards for the show and last year scooped a Bafta.
He is now one of Britain’s most sought-after writers, with industry insiders speculating over what project he would take on since his semi-autobiographical comedy had its third and final outing this year.
Last month he confirmed he was working on a pilot for Netflix adding it would have “some of the hallmarks of Big Boys, while perhaps leaning more on the drama-comedy”.
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The streamer was contacted for comment.
MOVING STREET
LONG-running kids’ show Sesame Street is moving to Netflix.
The new series will feature “format changes” and the return of fan-favourite segments, Elmo’s World and Cookie Monster’s Food Truck.
The new episodes, as well as former series, will be available to stream later this year.
Comics' coastal caper
BABATUNDE Aleshe has returned to Ireland for a new Channel 4 miniseries centring on travel trails – with fellow comedian Finlay Christie.
Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route sees Babatunde – who fronted a similar miniseries last year – and Finlay rely on locals’ recommendations on a cross-country trip.
They showcase the Causeway Coastal Route and County Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.
During their journey the pair go head to head in challenges, including learning how to control sheepdogs and mastering traditional Irish brush dancing.
Finlay said: “One day I was herding lambs, the next I was floating in a seaweed bath like an ancient Celtic king – there were so many laughs.”
The show is on C4’s YouTube channel now.
Sisters' tale hits for six
A THREE-part Channel 4 documentary will tell the story of the notorious Mitford sisters, following on from UKTV’s new dramatisation about their lives.
It will take a close look at the six, whose radical lifestyles saw them mixing with political powers and enjoying ringside seats to divisive events of the mid-20th century.
As well as talking to experts, relatives and biographers, it relies on the siblings’ many interviews.
Meanwhile, U&DRAMA’s Outrageous, which sees Bessie Carter and Joanna Vanderham among actors bringing the sisters’ stories to life, will air from June 18.
Brydon for Donaldson classic
ROB Brydon will star in The Gruffalo writer Julia Donaldson's annual animation this Christmas.
He will voice Reginald Rake in new adaptation The Scarecrows’ Wedding, alongside Jessie Buckley, Domhnall Gleeson and Sophie Okonedo.
It will air on BBC One.
Power trip for Blair
FORMER Prime Minister Tony Blair will be at the centre of a new Channel 4 documentary.
The series will dive into his rise, his years at No10, and his post-politics career.
It will feature an in-depth interview with the man himself, while friends, allies, and opponents from Parliament, will also reveal their opinions of his time in power.
From the makers of The Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson, the show is expected take a more in-depth look at stand-out moments of Sir Tony’s ten-year tenure in Downing Street, including his involvement in the Iraq War.
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It follows the success of last year’s two-parter on Mr Johnson, which traced his political career, with interviews of those who worked alongside him in Parliament.
Fellow former PM Margaret Thatcher was at the centre of Channel 4 drama series Brian And Maggie, starring Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter, earlier this year.