UKTV’s Dave channel has ordered a one-off special documentary which will examine Al Murray’s The Pub Landlord and his bid to win election to parliament in South Thanet; a race that will see him campaigning against UKIP leader Nigel Farage and the candidates run by the other major political parties.
Set to air on election night, the special (titled Dave’s Election Night Special) will feature exclusive fly-on-the-wall access on the campaign trail, including run-ins with voters and rival candidates, behind-closed-doors meetings with The Guv’s most trusted political advisors, and all the inevitable personal highs and lows of a rollercoaster campaign.
“This documentary is an important step for Dave as we continue to broaden our offering and raise the ambitions of our originations”, said Richard Watsham, UKTV’s Director of Commissioning. “This is a bold statement about the direction of travel for commissions on Dave. I’m particularly pleased that The Pub Landlord has chosen to share his extraordinary story exclusively with our viewers.”
From award-winning film-maker Amanda Blue. the 90 minute special is being produced by Liberty Bell Productions – the independent production company behind The Alastair Campbell Diaries and Portillo on Thatcher: The Lady’s Not For Spurning. Jamie Isaacs is the executive producer.
“There has been incredible interest and excitement around the Pub Landlord since he announced his intention to stand as a candidate for South Thanet and the chance for Dave to cover this campaign is an amazing opportunity”, added Steve North, General Manger of Dave.
“Dave viewers will enjoy being up close and personal with The Guv as he takes on all comers including Nigel Farage”, North said. “As Dave increasingly commissions original programmes, we want to reflect major news and events on air but always in Dave’s unique way.”
