Netflix has released the first photo of Scoop, its new behind-the-scenes drama about Newsnight’s infamous Prince Andrew interview.
Photos show Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell, who play Emily Maitlis and the Duke of York, looking eerily similar to their real-life counterparts.
The still photo shows the pair in a recreation of Buckingham Palace, where their first interview took place in 2019.
Mr Sewell spent three hours a day in the make-up chair to achieve his look, the Telegraph reported.
Meanwhile, Anderson said she studied interviews and other episodes of Newsnight to ensure she mastered Maitlis’ mannerisms.
Scoops director Philip Martin said:
“What Gillian and Rufus have done so well is capture the spirit of the people they’re playing and make it feel real.”
The film is based on the book Scoops by producer and author Sam McAllister, who was instrumental in negotiating the interview. Her character is played by Billie Piper.
The film, scheduled for release next spring, serves as a tribute to the accomplishments of the four women responsible.
Keeley Hawes plays Amanda Thirsk, the Duke’s right-hand woman, and Romola Garai plays Newsnight editor Esme Wren.
Ms McAllister told the Telegraph: This is your chance to see the women working hard behind the scenes on every stage. ”
Andrew said in an interview that he does not deny his association with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein because the opportunities that came from it were “actually very profitable.”
The duke also said he had “no recollection” of ever meeting Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse, an allegation he vehemently denies.
He countered her claims, which included a description of him “sweating profusely,” by claiming he was unable to sweat.
Andrew also told Maitlis that he had actually taken his daughters to Pizza Express in Woking on the night he was accused of having sex with Giuffre.
In the 2023 Channel 4 documentary Andrew: The Troubled Prince, Maitlis said the Queen knew before he did that the interview had turned out badly for Andrew.
In episode 2, Maitlis said: “It was on Saturday that the Queen reportedly read her full statement when she was tapped on the shoulder by a security guard.
“And they said, ‘Sir, you should come with us.'” After the Queen saw the interview, but before he understood it, the Queen I think I realized that. ”