ITV has commissioned a new doc with Vicky McClure and her grandad, Ralph, retracing his journey during the Normandy Landings of World War II.
In the one-off special, Vicky will trace her 97-year-old Grandad’s story, talking in depth to him at home in Nottingham and then heading back to the Normandy shore to retrace his personal journey.
Vicky will reunite her Grandad with surviving friends from the war and Ralph will also show his granddaughter the ropes aboard the last remaining WWII landing craft.
Vicky said: “My Grandad is a real character and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. He’s a legend in my eyes and what he achieved in the Royal Navy should be celebrated. This programme gave me an opportunity to spend time with him, learn from him and get a real glimpse into the courageous events of the Normandy Landings.”
Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War (w/t) is commissioned for ITV by Tom Giles, ITV Controller of Current Affairs.
Tom Giles said: “This film is a very candid journey with one of the last surviving World War II heroes alongside his granddaughter, who happens to be one of the country’s leading actors. Vicky will guide ITV viewers through this very touching and poignant special, helping us understand the magnitude of one of the most dangerous expeditions of the war – the Normandy Landing.”
The one-off special is produced by All3Media Group’s North One, from their Birmingham studios, and Build Your Own Films, Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen’s production company, which partnered with the Group earlier this year.
North One CEO Neil Duncanson, said: “Working with BYO has been superb. And it’s the first All3Media acquisition working alongside its newest partner. Jonny and I met to talk about a drama project and the conversation drifted into Vicky’s amazing Grandad – an extraordinary tale I didn’t know – and the rest was pretty straightforward!”
BYO co-founder Jonny Owen, said: “I’m delighted BYO has partnered with North One to make an important documentary about this incredible story. A generation of people who fought for our freedom are leaving us now and it’s essential we understand their sacrifice and how important it was so that we can live the lives we live today. Vicky’s Grandad Ralph has become a dear friend and I’ve listened to him for hours telling me how as a teenager he was part of one of the most important moments in human history. I’m so glad we can now share this with the world.”
Jon Creamer
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