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Shooting has started on BAFTA award-winning Dominic Savage's (Freefall, Born Equal) new two-part drama for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two, Dive.

Co-written by Dominic Savage with Simon Stephens, this is the first time Savage – who is renowned for his improvisation techniques – has fully scripted a drama for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.

A Granada production for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two, Dive is the uplifting story of Lindsey, played by newcomer Aisling Loftus, and Robert, played by Jack O'Connell (Skins), a love-struck teenage couple.

Lindsey – an ambitious diver – is selected to represent Team GB at the 2012 Olympics; but when the pair discover Lindsey is pregnant they are forced to make life-changing decisions about their future.

The cast will also include: Gina McKee (In The Loop, Fiona's Story) as Lindsey's mother, Jacqueline; Joseph Mawle (The Passion) as Lindsey's stepdad, Gary; Ewen Bremner (Day Of The Triffids) as Lindsey's dad, Stewart; Eddie Marsan (Little Dorrit) as Robert's dad, Will; Michael Socha (Casualty) as Robert's brother, Alex; and Katie Dickie as Alison, Lindsey's diving coach.

This coming-of-age drama offers a refreshing stance on the subject of teenage pregnancy and the pressures of growing up in the UK in the 21st century. Split into two separate 60-minute programmes, the first part will provide Lindsey's story and the second, Robert's.

Dominic Savage says: "This is a story about growing up. A love story. A story of hope and desire, of ambition and success and the search in all of us for freedom; to be whatever we need to be. A story that offers a different perspective on teenagers and family life. A film that celebrates young people and has an optimism for their future and what they can achieve."

Ben Stephenson, Controller, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Drama Commissioning, adds: "Dominic's ability to challenge our preconceptions and tell the 'untold story' means his work has a relevance and truth that is enthusiastically embraced by critics and audiences alike. As always, Dominic's work has attracted outstanding acting talent and it is fantastic we can provide a platform for young emerging artists in this piece too."

The drama was commissioned by Janice Hadlow, Controller, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two, and Ben Stephenson. Polly Hill is Executive Producer for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.

This is a Granada Production for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two directed by Dominic Savage. The Executive Producer for Granada is Kate Bartlett, Producer for Granada is Juliette Howell (Slumdog Millionaire) and Director of Photography is Danny Cohen (The Boat That Rocked, Born Equal).

Savage's previous film dramas for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ include Out Of Control, When I Was 12, Nice Girl, Born Equal and – soon to be transmitted – on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two, Freefall.

Notes to Editors

Dominic Savage has won the following awards:

Out Of Control (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One) – Michael Powell Award for Best British Feature Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, 2002; RTS Television Award for Best Serials and Single Drama, 2003;

When I Was 12 (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two) – BAFTA Award for Best Single Drama, 2002;

Nice Girl (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two) – BAFTA Award for Best New Director, 2001;

Love And Hate (2006) won the Palm Springs International Film Festival New Voices/New Visions Grand Jury Prize and the Zlin International Film Festival Best European Debut Film Award.

His last film for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ was the acclaimed Born Equal starring Colin Firth and Robert Carlyle (³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One, 2006).

Freefall is Dominic's latest film for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳, to be shown in 2009 on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two.

CM4

Information for viewers

More content about Dive will be posted, as transmission approaches, on this page: