BBC orders new World War II drama about the history of the SAS

The next project from the creator of Peaky Blinders has been revealed.

Steven Knight’s new period drama series will tell the incredible story of how the world’s most renowned and ruthless Special Forces unit, the SAS, came to exist.

Knight has written every episode of Peaky Blinders, which recently returned for a fifth season.

He also wrote Tom Hardy drama Taboo and is adapting A Christmas Carol for BBC One later this year.

Based on Ben Macintyre’s best-selling book Rogue Heroes, six 60-minute episodes have been commissioned.

The official synopsis reads: “Steven Knight will bring to the screen Macintyre’s extraordinary book, written with unique and privileged access to the secret SAS archives, and bring to life this definitive account of SAS history.

“It will tell the story behind the revolutionary thinking which led to the creation of a new form of combat and warfare in the deserts of North Africa.

“Celebrating the glory, action and camaraderie at the heart of this story, the series will delve into the psychology of the flawed, reckless but astonishingly brave group of maverick officers and men who formed the SAS in the darkest days of World War Two.”

Writer Steven Knight commented: “This will be a secret history telling the story of exceptional soldiers who decided battles and won wars only to then disappear back into the shadows. We will shine a light on remarkable true events informed by the people who shaped them.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: “It is an honour to be working once again with the great Steve Knight. SAS: Rogue Heroes will lift the lid on the origins of one of Britain’s most iconic institutions and explore the characters, courage and flaws of the men involved with all of the honesty and swagger we have come to expect from Steve.”

SAS: Rogue Heroes is expected to air on BBC One in the UK in 2020.

Ben Macintyre’s book Rogue Heroes is available on Amazon.