New TV drama to lift lid on SAS secrets

A new TV drama series is to reveal some of the secrets of the SAS, including how it was formed and a selection of the missions its troops have been involved in.

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is at the helm of the BBC project, which is adapted from the best-selling book SAS: Rogue Heroes by Ben Macintyre.

The series will explain how the British special forces came about following the desert warfare of the Second World War and aims to showcase the glory, action and camaraderie at its heart.

Viewers will also be able to get a glimpse into the psychology of the "flawed, reckless but astonishingly brave" SAS officers represented on screen.

Mr Knight commented: "This will be a secret history telling the story of exceptional soldiers who decided battles and won wars, only to then disappear back into the shadows."

Casting and air dates for the series have not yet been announced.

The SAS was formed while the Second World War still raged, with the intention of using small bands of soldiers to operate behind enemy lines.

A Corps since 1950, the unit is now involved with covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, direct action and hostage rescue, although its actions are never commented on by the Ministry of Defence due to their secrecy and sensitivity.