Brian and Maggie plot, cast, trailer and release schedule of new Channel 4 covering infamous TV interview
Margaret Thatcher saw her premiership crumble following the infamous TV interview
New Channel 4 drama Brian and Maggie covers how one TV interview sparked the downfall of British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The drama covers the period between Margaret Thatcher from her time in opposition to the end of her time as Prime Minister in 1990.
During this time, the former Labour MP Brian Walden (Steve Coogan) interviewed her several times for his show The Walden Interview and struck up a friendship.
Brian and Maggie dramatises Margaret Thatcher's (Harriet Walter) last ever TV interview in 1989, which some political pundits believe was the final nail in her prime ministerial coffin.
The 45-minute interview struck numerous blows that were seen to damage her reputation as a leader beyond repair.
Ahead of the new series on Channel 4, here is everything you need to know about the plot, cast and the show's release date.
What is the plot of Brian and Maggie?
A plot synopsis from Channel 4 reads: "1989. When Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher came together for their last ever TV interview, little did they know they were about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time.
"The 45-minute showdown became a national talking point and helped set in train a series of events that ended with Margaret’s resignation. Afterwards, they never spoke again…"
Written by RTS award-winner James Graham, the series is based on political editor Rob Burley’s book Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV.
Brian and Maggie is directed by Academy Award nominee and BAFTA-winning Stephen Frears (A Very English Scandal) and produced by Baby Cow Productions, one of BBC Studios’ owned production labels, who also internationally distribute the series.
Who is in the cast of Brian and Maggie?
Steve Coogan stars as Brian Walden, a former Labour MP for Birmingham All Saints who quit to become a full-time journalist and broadcaster. Two-time Oscar nominee also serves as executive producer and is previously known for Alan Partridge, Philomena, Stan & Ollie and The Reckoning.
Harriet Walter portrays Margaret Thatcher, a controversial politician who served as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She played Lady Caroline Collingwood in the hit show Succession and Deborah Welton in Ted Lasso, as well as appear in This Is Going to Hurt, Killing Eve, Rocketman, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and The Crown.
The wider cast includes comedian Emma Sidi as Sue Richardson, Vikings star Ivan Kaye as Chancellor of the Exchequer Nigel Lawson, Ross Armstrong as John Wakefield and Karan Gill as Vinay Ahmed.
Paul Clayton plays No 10 press secretary Bernard Ingham, Simon Paisley Day as Ian Gow MP and Doug Berry as Michael Heseltine MP, who eventually challenged Thatcher’s leadership.
When is Brian and Maggie on TV and how many episodes are there?
Brian and Maggie have two episodes, each of which will be around 60 minutes in length.
The series starts on Channel 4 on Wednesday, January 29 at 9pm, with the second episode showing the following night on Thursday, January 30.
Both episodes will be available to watch on demand via Channel 4.