A new BBC documentary will explore the true story that inspired ‘The Gold’.
The Gold: Inside Story will explore the true story around the BBC One drama, which stars Hugh Bonneville
The success of the BBC One series - which tells the story of the notorious Brink's-Mat theft, stars Hugh Bonneville and Jack Lowden, and uses 80s London’s East End as its backdrop - has led to a new standalone exploration of the £26 million heist, titled ‘The Gold: The Inside Story’.
The programme will feature talking heads from the lead investigators entrusted with the case - which dealt with crimes such as money laundering and stealing 6,800 gold bars - like Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Boyce and DC Tony Yeoman for the first time in nearly four decades.
It will also reflect on the loss of their colleague DC John Fordham, who lost his life while staking out Kenneth Noye.
In the hour-long film, Brian says: “Our task was far greater than just arresting the robbers, we hadn’t even recovered the dust of the gold. We had to work extremely hard, follow the trail and recover as much of the gold as possible.”
Along with their testimony, the documentary - which was commissioned by Jack Bootle - will be made up of archive footage and other eyewitness accounts of the period.
Simon Young, the BBC’s Head of History, said: “Few robberies are as iconic as Brink’s-Mat or have had such a profound effect on the country.
"That’s why it’s so fascinating to hear Brian Boyce and his colleagues give such a frank and unvarnished account of the challenges the police faced in attempting to solve such a colossal crime.”
Recently, Hugh - who plays Brian - asserted his belief that "all forms" of creativity should be allowed to thrive.
He said:“I think we all need to take a huge dose of perspective and allow art to be art.
"All forms of artistic expression should be allowed to breathe. I think respect should always be there – with expression comes responsibility. But I don’t think it’s right to say, ‘I don’t agree with you, therefore you should be cancelled.' "
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