Watson’s debut novel Whips optioned for TV

Production company The Imaginarium, run by actor and director Andy Serkis (“Planet of the Apes”, “The Lord of the Rings”) and producer Jonathan Cavendish (“Bridget Jones’ Diary”), has optioned Cleo Watson’s debut novel Whips (Corsair) for TV. The rights deal was done by Rosie Gurtovoy at PFD.

Whips is the first novel from former Number 10 advisor Cleo Watson and is described by the publisher as 50 Shades of Grey (Arrow) meets “Prime Minister’s Questions”.

The publisher goes on: “The novel forces itself through the doors of Number 10 and delivers a fun, raunchy and propulsive tale of three female friends as they navigate the public spats, crises and controversies of modern British government.

“This is a story filled with scandal, eye-popping moments and above all, an underlying message of what politics might look like should women actually be welcomed into the archaic male-dominated establishment."

Cavendish said: "The heart of this story is really all about female power and our three heroines are bright, flawed, loyal and loveable, and their friendship is one for the ages.”

Watson, who will serve as executive producer on the series, commented: “I could not be more excited to work with Imaginarium to develop Whips for television. It’s the most incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Imaginarium Productions and Cleo Watson are currently in the early stages of development, assembling a team of writers and creatives to work on the project.