BBC One announce new drama Reputation from Anya Reiss

It explores what happens when a celebrity legal battle spirals out of control.

BBC One has announced Reputation, a new six-part drama from Anya Reiss that explores what happens when a celebrity legal battle spirals out of control.

Reputation promises to be an audacious and glossy drama, centring on Elaine, a formidable lawyer who has built her career defending free expression, and gets pulled into the case of the decade, representing global pop star Davina Knight.

After Davina releases a provocative new song accusing her ex-husband, Billy, of abusive behaviour, and he retaliates in kind, their private breakdown erupts into a very public libel battle.

The case is fought far beyond the courtroom, as PR machines are deployed, laws are bent, and social media platforms become judge, jury and battleground - driving outrage for clicks and warping the truth.

For Elaine, the case puts her own personal life in the line of fire. How far will she go to win, and at what cost? And for Davina, how far will she go to protect her reputation?

Speaking about Reputatio, writer and creator Anya Reiss said "When I found out London was the global capital of high stakes libel cases - where the rich, powerful and famous come to fight in public for their reputations - I was in. I’ve loved writing this world and now I’m excited to get it off the page and onto the screen."

To which the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, added "Reputation is high-stakes, intoxicating and hugely entertaining, with a lot to say about the world. In Elaine and Davina the brilliant Anya Reiss has created two lead characters for the ages, and we’re delighted to be working with her, Mahalia and the team at The Forge to bring this very public battle to BBC iPlayer and BBC One."

And George Ormond, Executive Producer and Joint Managing Director for The Forge, said "We are so excited to be working with Anya again – her scripts are sharp, badly behaved, very funny and totally addictive."

Made by The Forge, a Banijay UK company, Reputation is created and written by Anya Reiss, produced by Alex Kazamia, directed by Mahalia Belo and executive produced by George Ormond, Jade Taylor, Anya Reiss and Mahalia Belo. Also writing alongside Anya Reiss will be Shyam Popat and Karla Crome.

Reputation will air on BBC One