Uncensored CMO Mr Bates vs The Post Office - the real story behind the drama with Patrick Spence
Jan 20, 2025
In this conversation, Patrick Spence, the producer behind the groundbreaking drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office,' shares the harrowing details of the largest miscarriage of justice in British history. He reveals how the show was created to spotlight the wrongful prosecutions caused by a flawed IT system. Spence discusses the significant cover-up by the Post Office, the emotional toll on affected individuals, and the lack of compensation they still face. He also touches on the global influence of the story and its impact on raising public awareness.
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Drama Amplified Unheard Voices
- Patrick Spence realised the story was true after reading journalists' work and felt shame for not noticing earlier.
- He believed drama could viscerally convey victims' suffering in ways articles and documentaries could not.
Timing And Platform Drove Impact
- ITV's commissioner Polly Hill pushed to air the drama in January to maximise impact and visibility.
- The series became the most-watched new drama in 25 years, showing timing and platform choice matter.
Accuracy Enabled 'True Story' Claim
- The production insisted on rigorous factual accuracy to survive compliance and legal scrutiny on terrestrial TV.
- They relied on documented emails and multiple sources so the drama could claim to be a true story.