THATCHER: TV BIOPIC OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER IN DEVELOPMENT

A new "big-budget" biopic on the life and career of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is in development to mark 45 years since she took office in 1979, according to reports from The Sun.

The series, being developed by ITV Studios' label Mammoth Screen, is set to commence filming next year with it set to air on either the BBC or ITV. Casting will be announced in due course.

A source told The Sun: "This is destined to be a particularly glossy show which already has acclaimed creatives attached. The Crown showed a real fascination among viewers with statecraft - the management of public affairs - in which Maggie was an expert...

"It devoted an entire series to the Thatcher years, with Gillian Anderson playing the PM, and they turned out to be some of its most popular episodes."

ITV Studios declined to comment when approached by The Sun.