This article needs to be updated. (November 2010) |
Rough Diamond is a television series co-produced by BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ. The series also appears on RTÉ One in the Republic of Ireland
| Rough Diamond | |
|---|---|
| Starring | Conor Mullen Stanley Townsend Lorraine Pilkington Ben Davies |
| Country of origin |
|
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production company | World Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One in UK RTÉ in Republic of Ireland |
| Release | 4 February – 11 March 2007 |
The story explores the relationship between discredited racehorse trainer Aidan Doherty and Jonah Price, the son he never knew existed. The first episode begins with Doherty about to sell his run down stables to his neighbour and former employer Charlie Carrick, wealthy owner of the neighbouring Firebrand stables, and move to New South Wales. However, his best laid plans change when a young man appears, later revealed to be his son, Price.
The series is directed by Simon Massey and Dermot Boyd and produced by Peter Norris.[1]
Production
editRough Diamond was a six-part drama series co-produced by BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ, airing on BBC One and RTÉ One in 2007.[2] The series was produced by Peter Norris, with executive producers Tony Garnett for World Productions and Stephen Wright for BBC Northern Ireland. The writing team included Robert Jones (episodes 1, 2, and 6), Sergio Casci (episode 3), and Ted Gannon (episodes 4 and 5). Direction was split between Simon Massey (episodes 1, 2, 5, and 6) and Dermot Boyd (episodes 3 and 4).[3] Filming took place entirely in County Kildare, Ireland, with equestrian experts hired to train actors for realistic horse-racing scenes.[4]
Cast
edit| Character | Played by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aidan Doherty | Conor Mullen | Impoverished racehorse trainer. |
| Charlie Carrick | Stanley Townsend | Rich racehorse owner and Aidan's neighbour. |
| Yolanda Carrick | Lorraine Pilkington | Glamorous wife of Charlie. |
| Jonah Price | Ben Davies | English-raised son of Aidan. |
| JP | Jon Lolis | Polish stable boy working for Mr Carrick. |
| Sheridan Carrick | Muireann Bird | Daughter of Charlie. Exhasperated at Jonah. |
| Dermot Cahill | Eamon Morrissey | Aidan's friend and assistant. |
| Ray Hogan | Garrett Lombard | Shady horse dealer. |
| Brett Hooper | Peter Gaynor | Aidan's replacement as the Carricks' trainer. |
Reception
editDespite initial expectations, Rough Diamond was not recommissioned for a second series by the BBC. While the show garnered successful ratings in both Ireland and the UK, it did not meet the BBC's anticipated reception. A BBC source stated, "It wasn't quite the hit it was expected to be. As a result, the drama department has decided not to go ahead with a second series."[5]
References
edit- ^ Productions, World. "Rough Diamond". World Productions. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ Productions, World. "Rough Diamond". World Productions. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "BBC - Press Office - Rough Diamond: Production credits". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "BBC's racey Irish drama falls at the first hurdle". Irish Independent. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ "BBC's racey Irish drama falls at the first hurdle". Irish Independent. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
External links
edit- Rough Diamond at BBC Online
- BBC Press Office, Rough Diamond Press Pack. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
- Rough Diamond at Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 5 February 2007.
- Rough Diamond at IMDb
