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Riz Ahmed to star in BBC Two show ‘Englistan’

Emmy Award-winning star, Riz Ahmed has confirmed plans for an ambitious new drama called ‘Englistan’ on BBC Two.

The nine-part series will be based on three generations of a British Pakistani family, the Latifs. The story will unravel over the decades and witness “the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside”.

‘Englistan’ will re-frame recent British history, and shine a light on the forces that have made our society what it is today. We will follow them through political movements and economic boom and bust, through gang-land rivalries and assimilation into the heart of the establishment, through spiritual soul-searching and religious conflict.

Creator Riz Ahmed says, “I’m excited to be working with Esther Springer and all the team at BBC Studios. Englistan is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. It’s the story I always wanted to tell, and it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to do so.”

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, says, “Riz Ahmed is a phenomenal talent and Englistan promises to be a hugely ambitious, layered and resonant drama about family and identity. New writing, massive canvas, the biggest issues; it is a perfect drama for BBC Two.”

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, says, “Set against the familiar backdrop of the late 20th but from a point of view which feels entirely new, Englistan is the story of the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside. We are honoured to be working with Riz on this epic, deeply personal story.”

Esther Springer, BBC Studios Executive Producer, adds, “It is an honour to work on such an ambitious and powerful story, created by Riz Ahmed whose vision for this drama is so clear, so focused and so beautiful. I’m thrilled Patrick Holland, Piers Wenger and Lucy Richer have committed to telling this important story and made BBC Two Englistan’s home.”