A new documentary set to air next spring will offer an unprecedented glimpse into the private world of the late Victoria Wood, featuring intimate audio diaries that promise to capture her unfiltered voice in her own words.
Becoming Victoria Wood, scheduled to premiere on U&Gold, will chronicle the life and legacy of one of Britain’s most cherished comedic talents. Best known for her work on Dinnerladies, Wood and Walters, and Victoria Wood As Seen On TV, Wood passed away in April 2016 aged 62, following a battle with cancer. Her career was widely celebrated, earning her multiple BAFTAs and an enduring place in British cultural life.
The upcoming film will blend rare archive footage, behind-the-scenes material, and previously unheard recordings, including candid audio diary entries recorded during the making of Dinnerladies. These recordings are being described as “confessional, thoughtful, biting, vulnerable, and funny” – offering a rare, personal insight into Wood’s mind as she worked at the height of her creative powers.
Among the treasures unearthed for the film is a 1973 performance believed to be one of her earliest recorded appearances, which had been previously broadcast on BBC Radio 4. This, along with unseen interviews and backstage footage, aims to shed new light on her formative years and rise to fame.
The documentary, directed by Catherine Abbott, is being made in collaboration with Rogan Productions and Phil McIntyre TV – the team behind Monty Python: The Meaning of Live. Executive producers James Rogan and Mark Hedgecoe bring their experience in biographical storytelling to a project many are hailing as long overdue.
James Rogan, creative director at Rogan Productions, said: “Victoria Wood is an icon and a force of comedy. The story of where it all comes from is a fascinating and unexplored area of her extraordinary life. We’re excited to present her journey – both personal and professional – in a way that celebrates her genius and her legacy.”
Gerald Casey, director of comedy and entertainment at UKTV, described the film as “an untold story that’s truly cinematic in emotion and scope”. He added: “This is an ambitious project that fits perfectly with our desire to bring our audience the absolute best of British comedy.”
More Read
Hilary Rosen, director of UKTV commissioning, said: “Without doubt, Victoria Wood is one of the finest comics Britain has ever produced. This new biopic will shine a light on Victoria’s early life, the start of her career, and will go on to explore how she became one of our very best – and beloved – performers, who had the unique ability to capture the absurdity and the tenderness of everyday life in her exquisite writing.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Wood formed a memorable partnership with Dame Julie Walters and won widespread acclaim for works such as Pat and Margaret and Housewife, 49, the latter of which earned her two BAFTAs in 2006. Her legacy was further cemented in 2019 with a two-metre high statue in her honour, erected in Bury, Greater Manchester, near her birthplace of Prestwich.
Though additional contributors and casting details for Becoming Victoria Wood are yet to be announced, anticipation is already building for what many expect will be a heartfelt and revealing portrait of a singular talent.
The documentary will receive a UK theatrical release before airing on U&Gold in spring 2025, offering fans a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect with the voice, wit, and warmth of Victoria Wood – this time, in her own words.
