People Just Do Nothing and Stath Lets Flats indie, Roughcut TV, has secured the rights to adapt Sunday Times best-selling novelist and former journalist Sarah Vaughan’s fourth novel; the psychological thriller, Little Disasters.

The creative team at Roughcut, headed by Ash Atalla (Managing Director), Alex Smith (Head of Scripted) and Marianna Abbotts (Drama Development Producer) fought off fierce competition to option Vaughan’s latest book for series adaptation. The deal signifies Roughcut’s focus on developing a diverse high-end drama slate with international appeal.

Marianna Abbotts said, “We are delighted to be working with Sarah Vaughan and were completely gripped by this thought provoking and moving novel. Sarah’s meticulously researched story bravely explores the dark reaches and intense love of motherhoodthrough a taut, compelling psychological thriller. The female friendships at the heart of the book and the way mothers judge each other make this a hugely universal and relatable subject and we are thrilled to have the chance to bring Sarah’s characters to the screen.”

Author Sarah Vaughan, “I was blown away by Roughcut’s pitch: their nuanced discussion of the universality of Little Disasters, their commitment to being brave and true to the darkness of the story, and their vision for how the characters might grow. Seeing the characters of one novel – Anatomy of a Scandal – develop in a TV series has been incredible. I’m so excited that those at the heart of Little Disasters might get the same opportunity and I can’t wait to be involved.”

When paediatrician Dr Liz Trenchard is called to A&E to assess an injured child, the last person she expects to see is her close friend Jess, the most calm and attentive mother she knows. Whilst treating Jess’s baby, Liz has a dreadful feeling that her friend’s explanation for what happened doesn’t reflect the child’s injuries.

Liz’s boss forces her to alert the authorities and an investigation is launched. As Jess’s life spirals out of control, the two women’s friendship group begins to fracture as medical and criminal hell breaks loose.

Roughcut are currently interviewing screenwriters for the adaptation.

Alex Smith, Head of Scripted added, “Roughcut are thrilled to add such a prestigious author as Sarah Vaughan to our drama slate andthis marks the beginning of our ambitious push into high end drama working with the best writing talent.”

Little Disasters comes hot on the heels of the adaptation of Vaughan’s bestseller Anatomy of a Scandal, adapted for the upcoming Netflix series and produced by Bruna Papandrea and Liza Chasin. Written by Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley and Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards), Anatomy Of A Scandal is directed by S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones, Succession) and stars Sienna Miller, Michelle Dockery and Rupert Friend.

Roughcut TV is represented by CAA. Sarah Vaughan’s deal was brokered by Penelope Killick at David Higham Associates.