Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me (1 x 60), a behind-the-scenes documentary from BAFTA-winning director, Simon Draper (Rob & Rylan’s Grand Tour, Rob & Rylan’s Passage to India, Gods of Tennis), has been acquired by BBC to air on BBC Two and iPlayer in Spring this year.
Shot entirely on his phone over two years, what started out as a freelancer’s attempt to make a podcast with a legendary actress, “unexpectedly transformed into a brilliantly chaotic, honest and funny exploration of the true impact of a friendship.”
Like many people across the TV industry lately, director Simon Draper found himself out of work. He decided to embark on an ambitious, self-financed podcast project with longtime collaborator and friend, Miriam Margolyes. Conceived as her ’final act’, the podcast was to be a reflection on her life and the lessons she wanted to impart but plans soon went awry. At 82, Miriam was experiencing a huge surge in popularity, and determined to cash in whilst she could, but was soon sidetracked by numerous engagements, including a book tour to Australia, a mission to reunite with old friends before they die, and even a visit to the Queen. Capturing the lot, was Simon, who became Miriam’s sidekick, whilst documenting her brutally honest yet joyous and tender reflections on her extraordinary life, and how she has unashamedly made the most of a career renaissance in her twilight years.
Rex TV’s Creative Director, Lana Salah, who had previously worked with Simon on several shows, including the Rob & Rylan arts travelogue series, boarded the project in 2025.
Zinc Media Group offered additional postproduction and distribution resource to complete the project via its Bumblebee and Zinc Distribution labels.
Simon Draper, Director said: “I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyone’s doing them, but Miriam’s lifestyle is bonkers. In two years, we made just five episodes, but hanging out with her was life changing. Mim’s a woman with strong opinions and a weak bladder, and I feel lucky to have been able to capture all the chaos and sparkle of the bravest, most honest person I know. I’m chuffed to call her my friend.”
Lana Salah, Creative Director, Rex TV added: “When I started Rex I wanted to make TV with heart and humour, so when Simon brought me this project I knew I had to help get it finished and in front of an audience. We all love Miriam, but what Simon managed to capture is something rare, moving and hilariously funny. Being able to support them both is testament to our ethos at Rex and the wider Zinc Group.”
Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me is directed by BAFTA-winning documentary director Simon Draper and edited by multi-award-winning documentary editor Gwyn Jones. It was acquired for the BBC by Jo Lapping, Head of Factual Acquisition, and will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in the spring.
The film is being distributed by Zinc Distribution, Zinc Media Group’s distribution label, and will be featured at MIP London in February.
Jon Creamer
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