BBC unveils ‘D-Notice’ thriller from Ballymena writer Declan Lawn exploring power, secrecy and the limits of journalism
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 19
- 5 min read
Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn. (Image: Khara Pringle)
A new BBC political thriller rooted in the shadowy world of government secrecy has been commissioned from Ballymena writer Declan Lawn and long-time collaborator Belfast man Adam Patterson, placing a little-known national security mechanism — the D-Notice — at the centre of a major primetime drama.
The six-part series, titled D-Notice, will explore how the British state can quietly intervene in journalism by advising editors against publishing sensitive information — a system rarely discussed publicly but one the writers have encountered first-hand during their previous careers in investigative reporting.
A rarely seen system at the heart of the story
At the centre of the drama is the D-Notice system — a mechanism that allows the government to advise journalists on matters of national security. While not legally binding, such notices carry significant weight, often shaping decisions about what can and cannot be reported.
The series will examine how truth, power and secrecy intersect, drawing on the lived experience of its creators. Declan Lawn, originally from Ballymena, and Adam Patterson both worked as investigative journalists on the BBC’s Panorama programme before transitioning into drama writing.
Their background is expected to lend authenticity to a story set within the high-stakes world of investigative journalism, where editorial decisions can carry profound consequences.
Plot details are being kept tightly under wraps as the project remains in its early stages, but the title itself signals a focus on the tension between public interest reporting and national security.
Major commission for new production company
D-Notice marks the first commission from Lawn and Patterson’s newly formed production company, Hot Sauce Pictures, which is backed by Sony Pictures Television.
The 6 x 60-minute series will be filmed in Belfast and London, further strengthening Northern Ireland’s position as a key production hub for major UK dramas.
It also represents the pair’s third collaboration with the BBC, following the critically acclaimed The Salisbury Poisonings and the police drama Blue Lights.
The series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, who highlighted the strength of the writing partnership and the appetite for a gripping conspiracy thriller.
“I wanted to make sure we were keeping them in the BBC because they are some of the best writers out there,” said Salt.
“We were talking to them about a few ideas and felt we hadn’t done a really juicy conspiracy thriller recently. They came back with D-Notice.”
Salt added that the tone of the series is reminiscent of classic political thrillers such as Paul Abbott’s State of Play.
From Ballymena to BBC primetime
Declan Lawn’s journey from Ballymena to becoming one of the BBC’s most in-demand drama writers reflects a growing pipeline of Northern Ireland talent shaping major UK productions.
His partnership with Patterson has already delivered high-profile, fact-based dramas, and D-Notice is expected to build on that reputation with a fictional story grounded in real-world systems and ethical dilemmas.
The decision to film in Belfast alongside London continues a trend of major productions investing in the region, supporting local crews and infrastructure.
BBC announces additional major drama commissions
Alongside D-Notice, the BBC has confirmed two further major drama commissions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, signalling a strong pipeline of original storytelling.
Shy & Lola starring (L-R) Bel Powely, ‘Lola’ and Hayley Squires, ‘Shy’.
‘Shy & Lola’ brings dark comedy to crime drama
Shy & Lola, a six-part series written by Amanda Coe, follows two unlikely allies drawn into the criminal underworld of a small coastal town in the North of England.
The story centres on Shy, a cleaner struggling to get by and dreaming of a new life in Portugal, and Lola, an ex-model turned grifter who arrives in town with trouble following her.
As the pair become entangled in crime following a murder, they discover an unexpected talent for building a criminal operation — raising questions about whether they will escape their circumstances or become dominant figures within the underworld.
Hayley Squires will star as Shy, with Bel Powley playing Lola. Filming is set to begin this spring in and around Hull and Leeds.
Screenwriter Amanda Coe described the project as “a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion,” while executive producer Rachelle Constant praised its “bold” storytelling and dynamic central relationship.
Lindsay Salt said the series would “surprise and amuse viewers in equal measure,” describing the central pairing as “the classic odd couple”.
Historical drama ‘1536’ explores power and survival in Tudor England
BBC drama ‘1536’, based on the play by Ava Pickett (above)
The BBC has also commissioned 1536, an eight-part drama based on Ava Pickett’s award-winning play, set during the turbulent period surrounding the arrest of Anne Boleyn.
The series follows three young women — Anna, Mariella and Jane — in an Essex village as their lives are shaped by events unfolding at the highest levels of power.
As the political climate shifts, the characters face rising puritanism and misogyny while navigating relationships, betrayal and survival in an increasingly dangerous world.
The drama explores how decisions made by those in power ripple outward, affecting the lives of ordinary people — particularly women — in profound and often devastating ways.
Ava Pickett described the series as “terrifyingly relevant,” adding that it reflects a world where decisions made “in the corridors of power ricochets through all of our lives”.
The play 1536 has already received significant acclaim, winning the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2024 and earning multiple nominations and awards, including recognition at the Stage Debut Awards and The Standard Theatre Awards.
Further details to follow
All three series — D-Notice, Shy & Lola, and 1536 — remain at varying stages of development, with further casting and production details expected to be announced in due course.
For Northern Ireland audiences, D-Notice in particular places a local writer at the centre of a major BBC commission, bringing a globally relevant story rooted in real-world journalism to screens across the UK.
At a glance
BBC commissions D-Notice, a six-part political thriller from Ballymena writer Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson
Drama explores the D-Notice system, allowing government to advise journalists on national security reporting
Lawn and Patterson are former investigative journalists who worked on BBC Panorama
Series marks first project from their new company Hot Sauce Pictures, backed by Sony Pictures Television
Filming will take place in Belfast and London
Commissioned by BBC Drama Director Lindsay Salt, who likened it to State of Play
Pair previously created The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights
BBC also announced Shy & Lola, a crime drama starring Hayley Squires and Bel Powley
New historical drama 1536, based on Ava Pickett’s award-winning play, also commissioned
All productions will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, with further details to follow
