From Queer as Folk to Happy Valley, meet the TV producer behind some of Britain’s best dramas: “Every time I do something, I get nervous”

by

I remember hearing about how Nicola Shindler and Russell T Davies first clicked – it was back in 1997 at the International Emmys in New York, which sounds pretty fancy! She was nominated for ‘Hillsborough’, her first big producing gig and the frontrunner for best drama, while Russell was up for his work on ‘Children’s Ward’, a really well-loved kids’ hospital show created by Paul Abbott and Kay Mellor. Apparently, they were seated next to each other and just instantly hit it off. She told me they both ended up losing that night, but they still had a great time together.

In 1998, when Shindler founded her production company, Red, Channel 4 asked her who she’d most like to collaborate with. She suggested Russell T Davies, and they were already fans of his work. She then met with him to ask if he had any projects he was eager to pursue. He’d apparently been developing the idea for Queer as Folk for some time, and he wrote it rapidly, allowing them to begin production soon after.

Shortly after, the show Queer as Folk premiered. It was bold, funny, and politically charged – a vibrant explosion that instantly revitalized Channel 4’s dramas and had a lasting impact on British television. Looking back, it proved to be as culturally significant as the groundbreaking 1966 broadcast of Cathy Come Home.

After nearly thirty years working together, Russell T Davies and Nicola Shindler are a hugely influential force in British television. They’ve consistently delivered groundbreaking dramas – from early hits like Queer as Folk and Bob & Rose to more recent shows like It’s a Sin, Years and Years, Cucumber, and their latest, Tip Toe. Their work fearlessly explores contemporary Britain and reflects the evolving experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people. They also created the critically acclaimed biopic Nolly, about the life of television icon Noele Gordon.

While Davies began his work reviving Doctor Who – something he’d always wanted to do, and which she enjoyed watching – Shindler also became busy. She collaborated with Paul Abbott again on Hit & Miss and Exile, having first worked with him on Cracker, Linda Green, and Clocking Off. She also renewed her successful creative relationship with Sally Wainwright, resulting in a run of three popular series: Scott & Bailey (2011), Last Tango in Halifax (2012), and Happy Valley (2014).

Alongside these, many shorter series and individual TV movies were created by a wide range of writers, including Kay Mellor and Tony Marchant. Starting in 2016, her work with Harlan Coben brought a string of his suspenseful stories – featuring unexpected characters like people in baseball caps and strippers who become teachers, often starring Richard Armitage – to Netflix and attracted large viewerships.

Shindler explains her job varies depending on the writer and the show, but generally involves overseeing every aspect of production. This includes developing the initial idea, writing scripts, casting actors, building the production team, reviewing daily footage, collaborating with the director, producer, and writer during editing, and choosing the music. It’s a very demanding role.

At its heart, her role is about nurturing writers and creating an environment where they can thrive and express themselves. Having worked with well-known authors like Coben, Wainwright, Abbott, and Davies, she’s noticed a common thread: “They all have a unique voice, a clear vision, and a strong sense of what they want to achieve with their writing.”

Nicola Shindler has a proven track record of success. She’s been awarded an OBE and has personally won seven BAFTAs. In 2013, she sold a majority share of her production company, Red, to StudioCanal, a French film company. The Guardian estimated Red’s value at £30 million at the time, with Nicola owning 95% of it. She stepped down from Red in 2020 and launched a new production company, Quay Street Productions, in 2021.

I appreciate everything and don’t assume success comes easily, which is why I always strive to do my best work. You can never predict what will really resonate with audiences. For example, ‘Happy Valley’ was originally intended to be a modest British police drama, but the exceptional writing by Sally Wainwright and the amazing acting transformed it into a huge hit. I still feel anxious with every new project I take on.

Okay, let’s talk about Tip Toe. Where Queer as Folk felt hopeful and freeing, this new series feels…raw. It’s a much grittier look at Britain today. The story centers on a 59-year-old gay man, but it’s about so much more than just LGBTQ+ experiences – though the lives of gay and trans people are deeply intertwined here. What really struck me is how it tackles difficult themes like radicalization and the pull of conspiracy theories. It’s a complex and unsettling watch, but a really important one.

The core of the story is emotionally challenging, but from the beginning, we focused on making it enjoyable to watch. It’s captivating, heartwarming, and deeply affecting – especially because you become invested in the character’s journey. Shindler explains that strong performances, combined with the wit and warmth of the writer Russell’s style, make it very accessible. He believes the story wouldn’t have the same impact with different writing.

Tip Toe launches on Channel 4 and Channel 4 On Demand on Sunday 31 May 2026.

Authors

Gareth McLean

For almost three decades, Gareth McLean has been a professional television writer. He’s reviewed countless shows as a critic and interviewed hundreds of celebrities, including Liza Minnelli and Jimmy Savile, as a feature writer. He’s also worked as a writer on television programs.

Read More

2026-05-25 19:52