The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has today announced that Jeff Pope, one of Britain’s most successful producers and writers, will be honoured with the Special Award at the House of Fraser British Academy Television Awards at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London on Sunday 10 May.

Last presented in honour of Alan Clarke in 2009, this Special Award, whose previous recipients include Jane Tranter, Paul Watson, Andy Harries, Paul Greengrass and Adam Curtis, will recognise Jeff Pope’s creative contribution to television.

Jeff Pope

Jeff Pope’s career began as a reporter for the Ealing Gazette, and in 1983 he moved into television as a researcher in current affairs with London Weekend Television. He soon focused on drama, which included co-writing 1993’s Fool’s Gold starring Sean Bean.

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Three years later, he become Head of Drama for London Weekend Television, Granada and then ITV Studios, and has produced and written television series, including Mrs Biggs, Mo, Appropriate Adult and this year’s BAFTA-nominated biopic Cilla.

Previous BAFTA recognition of Pope’s work includes nine nominations across Film and Television, winning a BAFTA for television drama See No Evil: The Moors Murders in 2007 and Adapted Screenplay for Philomena at the EE British Academy Film Awards last year.

He has also won twice at the Broadcasting Press Awards for Appropriate Adult (2012) and Mo (2011) and nominated for Royal Television Society Awards, British Comedy Awards and recognised at the BANFF World Media Festival.