Sky 1 will set Christmas ablaze with brand new drama, The Last Dragonslayer. Based on the first of Jasper Fforde's series of novels, and adapted by Tom Edge (Scrotal Recall), this spectacularly cinematic Christmas event will star Ellise Chappell, John Bradley (Game of Thrones) and Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family) and is being produced by British production company Blueprint Pictures and GroupM Entertainment.

Adding to Sky's ever growing collection of original drama, this epic adventure is set in the Ununited Kingdoms. A magical blend of past and present, medieval and modern, the story follows indentured orphan Jennifer Strange (Ellise Chappell) who reluctantly discovers her destiny is to become the last Dragonslayer.

Sky commissioning editor, Cameron Roach said: 'Hot on the heels of the success of Fungus and the Bogeyman we're incredibly excited to commission another Christmas drama event for Sky 1. For 2016, an adaptation of Jasper Fforde's The Last Dragonslayer holds all of the ingredients for the perfect seasonal treat for the entire family; wizards, dragons, a kick-ass heroine and the perfect magical cast led by Ricky Tomlinson, Ellise Chappell and John Bradley'

Pete Czernin of Blueprint Pictures continues: 'Adapting Jasper Fforde's madcap world and unique characters, screenwriter Tom Edge has forged an exciting, fast-paced family adventure that is both compelling, endearing and emotional. We're excited to have director Jamie Stone bring this magical world to life on screen, with a fine cast of characters, with some well-known and beloved faces while introducing exciting new talent.'

Tony Moulsdale, Director of Programming, GME said: 'Working with Blueprint to get The Last Dragonslayer across the line has been a great experience and we're excited about this latest expansion of our relationship with Sky into drama.'

Executive Producers for the series are Pete Czernin and Graham Broadbent for Blueprint Pictures (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, In Bruges) and Dominic Schreiber for GroupM Entertainment. The Last Dragonslayer has been commissioned for Sky by head of drama Anne Mensah, commissioning editor Cameron Roach and director of Sky 1 Adam MacDonald. The series will be produced by Laura Hastings-Smith (The Minor Character, Macbeth) and directed by Jamie Stone (X Company, The Village, Orbit Ever After).

The Last Dragonslayer will be shot on location from April 2016 and will be shown exclusively on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland.

For further information please contact:

Claire Barson

PR Manager, Sky Content

+44 (0)7966 993986

Notes to Editors

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Sky plc issued this content on 20 April 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 20 April 2016 12:15:10 UTC

Original Document: https://corporate.sky.com/media-centre/news-page/2016/sky1-announces-brand-new-christmas-drama-the-last-dragonslayer