Screenwriter Russell T Davies called out a TV executive at last night's NTAs who dismissed It's A Sin as “that miserable Aids drama”.
The Channel 4 hard-hitting series won the National Television Awards new drama prize after receiving high praise from critics and audiences.
It stars singer Olly Alexander and follows a group of young gay men who move to London in the 1980s at the beginning of the HIV/Aids crisis.
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Davies said it was his strong belief in the show that stopped him giving up after it was first turned down by the BBC and ITV, before being picked up by Channel 4.
And he revealed how one producer dismissed it.
He said: “There was one television executive who referred to it as ‘that miserable Aids drama’. Where are they tonight? They won’t get to lick my trophy!’
Asked how he would celebrate, Davies joked: “I shall go to church and pray”.
On stage during the ceremony, Davies dedicated the award to “those we lost, those who lived, those who learned and those we loved” during the Aids crisis.
He said: “It’s a drama about Aids on a minority channel about what some people would call a minority subject.
“To win on a big night like tonight with all the big stars out there is astonishing.”
Years & Years singer Alexander, 31, played Ritchie Tozer and has won widespread acclaim for the role.
He said he was delighted the series had added to the conversation around HIV/Aids.
Alexander said: “I feel so lucky to work with Russell, with the team, with the cast.”
He added: “I’m just very happy.”
