Channel 4 is to make Pure, a six-part adaptation by Kirstie Swain of Rose Bretécher’s acclaimed memoir of the same name about a student who has graphic x-rated thoughts that intrude on her daily life. It is a moving exploration of one young woman’s search for herself and her struggle with mental illness.

Beth Willis, Head of Drama at Channel 4, says: “Kirstie's scripts truly crackle with her searingly honest portrayal of the high points and horrors of being young. They are endlessly witty, wise and wonderful. We are so thrilled that she and the brilliant producers of My Mad Fat Diary will soon be landing on Channel 4.”

Kirstie Swain says: “I’ve always been an obsessive-worrier and over-thinker…or maybe it's the other way round. It runs through me like a stick of rock. While I don't suffer from Rose’s exact condition, Pure resonated so deeply with me because I can absolutely relate to the experience of being an outer calm and an inner cyclone. I’m so glad to be making this show with Drama Republic and Channel 4. It embodies everything I want to say as a woman and as a writer and it gives voice to the often silent issue of mental health.”

Author Rose Bretécher says: “When I wrote my memoir, Pure, my mental health condition was virtually unheard of, and my thoughts were deeply taboo. Now, to collaborate on its adaptation with such a talented, diligent, witty team, is an extraordinary validation and privilege. As my story is reimagined on-screen, we have a unique opportunity to reach untold thousands of people who have lived for years, as I did, in secrecy and shame. To humanise their darkest experiences, to empower them to change, and to give them new hope.”

The series will begin filming in early 2018 to air on Channel 4 later that year. Casting to be announced.

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