BBC commissions adaptation of Macintyre's SAS history

The BBC has commissioned acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight to adapt Ben Macintyre’s bestselling book SAS: Rogue Heroes (Viking). 

Controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger and BBC Content director Charlotte Moore commissioned the six-part drama series, which is being produced by Kudos. 

Originally published in 2016, Macintyre’s book tells the story of the world-renowned Special Forces unit, the SAS that was born out of World War Two. At the time of writing, Macintyre was given access to highly classified SAS archives that will allow the adaptation to provide an accurate account of their history. 

Knight is the screenwriter of BBC hit drama "Peaky Blinders", "Christmas Carol" and "Taboo" and has directed films starring Jason Statham, Anne Hathaway and Bradley Cooper.  

The adaptation will be executive produced by Karen Wilson, Martin Haines and Emma Kingsman-Lloyd for Kudos and Tommy Bulfin for BBC One. 

Knight said: “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.”

Wenger added: “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.”

Casting will be announced in due course.