Rare archive material probes her anger and insecurities

UKTV has ordered a feature-length documentary celebrating the life of Victoria Wood.

The 90-minute film, Becoming Victoria Wood will play in cinemas before airing on U&Gold next spring. It will include never-before-seen archive material and previously unheard audio recordings to examine the woman behind the fame.

Wood was plagued by insecurity, anger and self-doubt, and the documentary promises to cover the formative experiences and personal battles that made her who she was. 

The documentary draws on some of the same material used in last year’s Radio 4 documentary, Loose Chippings, including the  intimate audio diaries she recorded during the making of Dinnerladies and a tape of her first recorded performance.

And it will feature friends and colleagues from across her career, from the likes of Wood And Walters,  As Seen On TV and Dinnerladies.

Hilary Rosen, UKTV’s director of commissioning, said: ‘Without doubt, Victoria Wood is one of the finest comics Britain has ever produced. 

‘This new biopic will shine a light on Victoria’s early life, the start of her career, and will go on to explore how she became one of our very best - and beloved - performers, who had the unique ability to capture the absurdity and the tenderness of everyday life in her exquisite writing.’

And director of programmes Gerald Casey called it ‘an untold story that's truly cinematic in emotion and scope’.

The documentary is being made by Rogan Productions with Phil McIntyre TV, directed by Catherine Abbott and produced by Heather McCorriston.

James Rogan, creative director at Rogan Productions, said: ‘Victoria Wood is an icon and a force of comedy. The story of where it all comes from is a fascinating and unexplored area of her extraordinary life. We are looking forward to showcasing her genius and her journey for cinema and television audiences alike, and reminding the world of her unique vision and ability to make us laugh.’

Published: 7 May 2025