UKTV commissions Bodyguard prodco

Multichannel operator UKTV has commissioned an original six-part drama from Bodyguard and Line of Duty producer World Productions for crime network Alibi.

Simon Heath

Set in Barcelona, The Diplomat follows a British diplomat and her Spanish colleague and friend as they fight to protect British nationals who find themselves in trouble in the Catalan city.

It is written by Ben Richards (Cobra) and produced by World Productions for Alibi, with BBC Studios holding worldwide distribution rights. World Productions CEO Simon Heath and UKTV’s Philippa Collie Cousins will exec produce alongside BBC Studios’ Martin Rakusen.

The series is due to air exclusively on Alibi in 2021, with production set to begin as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Diplomat is the third UKTV original for Alibi, following Red Production Company’s Traces and BBC Studios’ We Hunt Together.

Alibi channel director Emma Ayech said: “The Diplomat draws back the curtain on the multi-layered world of a British consul, dealing with everything from a daily stream of distressed British nationals to international crime and political intrigue.

“Ben Richards has created a sharp, witty script with a warmth and lightness of touch that is perfect for Alibi. This series will add to Alibi’s growing slate of fresh and original crime drama.”