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Double Crossed to be made into a BBC feature-length drama

Posted by Brian Wood MC on
The BBC has announced a new drama based on Brian Wood’s book, Double Crossed. The book, which was a Sunday Times Bestseller, explores Brian’s experiences in the British Army. Click to read more.

The BBC has recently announced a feature-length drama based on Brian Wood’s book, Double Crossed. The book, which was a Sunday Times Bestseller, explores Brian’s experiences in the British Army.

The story behind the book


At the age of 23, Brian was thrust into the front line in Iraq, in the infamous Battle of Danny Boy. Ambushed, he led a charge across open ground with insurgents firing at just five soldiers. On his return, he was awarded the Military Cross.


But Brian's story had only just begun. Struggling to re-integrate into family life, he suffered from PTSD. Then, five years later, a letter arrived: it summoned him to give evidence at the Al-Sweady Inquiry into allegations of war crimes by British soldiers during the Iraq invasion of 2003.


After years of public shame, Brian took the stand and delivered a powerful testimony, and following the tense inquiry room scenes, justice was finally served. Phil Shiner, the lawyer who made the false accusations, was struck off and stripped of an honorary doctorate.


What to expect from Double Crossed the film


The drama is being produced by Expectation for BBC Two and has the working title of Danny Boy. It will star Anthony Boyle (Ordeal By Innocence, The Plot Against America) as Brian and Toby Jones (Marvellous, Detectorists) as Phil Shiner. It is written by Bafta-winner Robert Jones (Murder, Party Animals) and directed by Sam Miller (I May Destroy You, Luther).


Sam Miller said: “I’m very excited to be telling this story featuring the Battle of Danny Boy and the subsequent fallout, both personally and politically, for Brian and others.


"The film is a candid and subtle delve into a troubled sequence in recent history that sets up an undertow threatening all those involved. The intimate questions raised about the nature of soldiering and the political ramifications are never more prescient. I’m personally extremely pleased to be working with BBC Two and Colin and Sue's team at Expectation, and a wonderful cast headed by Anthony Boyle, Toby Jones, Leah McNamara and Alex Ferns.”


While we wait in anticipation for the adaptation, make sure to check back here on the blog for more news as the film goes into production. Here at Keep Attacking we are very excited to see Brian’s story come together.

 

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