Channel 4 has commissioned Screw, a new six-part prison drama series from STV Studios (the newly rebranded STV Productions), by BAFTA nominated writer Rob Williams (The Victim, Killing Eve).

This is prison as never seen before - the uncensored, terrifying and often darkly funny reality of life as a prison officer in an all-male prison in 21st century Britain.

At the head of our gang of embattled ‘screws’ is Leigh, a woman who has devoted her adult life to this prison and its troubled population. On a wing bursting at the seams, at the front line of a train-wreck of broken bureaucracy and short-term thinking, Leigh goes above and beyond for her prisoners. But Leigh has her own secrets and a past that if discovered, could cost much more than her job. Will mouthy young Rose, a new recruit with her own agenda, mark the end of the line for Leigh – or prove her unlikely saviour?

Writer Rob Williams said: “There is so much more to prison and those who live and work there, than misery and violence - and I’m incredibly proud to be working with STV and Channel 4 to show this in Screw, alongside the authenticity inspired by my experiences as a civilian worker in various prisons.”

Sarah Brown, Creative Director of Drama for STV Studios said: “Channel 4 feels like the perfect home for Screw - we’re so excited to be working with the team to bring Rob Williams’ witty, subversive and memorable gang of prison officers to life on screen.”

Caroline Hollick, Channel 4 Head of Drama, said: “With previous experience of working in prisons, Rob’s writing comes from a truly authentic place, having had direct experience of a world which often comes with preconceived judgement.

Screw offers the audience an insight in to the challenges and struggles faced behind bars for both prisoners and prison officers; told with humour, humanity and hope. Rob has approached this familiar genre with a brand-new, fresh perspective, and we can’t wait for audiences to fall for his distinctive, flawed yet loveable characters.”

Screw is an STV Studios production for Channel 4, commissioned by Caroline Hollick, Channel 4 Head of Drama and overseen by Lee Mason, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor and Gemma Boswell, Channel 4 Head of Development.

Rob Williams is Creator, Lead Writer and Executive Producer, with Karla Crome (The Stranger) joining the writing team. Sarah Brown is Executive Producer for STV Studios (The Victim, Elizabeth is Missing) and Brian Kaczynski, Producer (The Cry, Peaky Blinders). Banijay Rights will manage global distribution for the series.