For the avoidance of doubt, as Thomas Cromwell might say, and before the silliness goes any further, I’d like to clarify that I have never issued a “sharp warning” to the BBC about their treatment of Wolf Hall for TV (Even Holbein would recognise it: Mantel hails BBC’s Wolf Hall, 12 December). No warning was necessary; from the first, I‘ve had complete faith in a team who share my belief that good drama and good history are compatible. It is a privilege to be able to work with director Peter Kosminsky and screenwriter Peter Straughan.
My remarks at the Cheltenham literary festival were general ones, aimed at historical drama from less skilled and scrupulous hands. We’re all allowed to laugh at The Tudors, aren’t we? Isn’t that what it was for?
Hilary Mantel
Devon
