The inside story behind Prince Andrew’s explosive TV interview on his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is set to be adapted for the big screen.

Scoop will be based on key chapters from a new book by Sam McAlister, the former Newsnight producer who secured the infamous meeting, with production due to begin in late 2022.

Prince Andrew‘s appearance on the BBC programme was intended to dispel increasing scrutiny of his relationship with Epstein, who died in prison earlier that year – as well as allegations that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl.

However, the interview with presenter Emily Maitlis was branded “disastrous” and “excruciating” when it aired in November 2019 – making headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons.

McAlister said she was excited to see the “extraordinary” story brought to the big screen.

Scoop will explore how Newsnight bagged the “scoop of the decade”, from an initial failed approach to Buckingham Palace and negotiations with Andrew’s team, to the rehearsal and the details of the interview itself.

Unconfirmed reports have suggested Hugh Grant is one of the names being considered to play the Duke of York.

Prince Andrew: ‘Family decision’ taken to keep Duke of York’s Garter Day appearance private

Prince Andrew tests positive for COVID, Buckingham Palace says

Archbishop of Canterbury issues clarification after saying Prince Andrew is ‘making amends’

Screenwriter Peter Moffat (Criminal Justice, The Night Of) will adapt the story for film, while The Lighthouse Film & TV will produce.

“What the hell did he think he was doing?” Moffat said as the film was announced. “Who got him to do it? Why, when the rest of the world was so appalled, did he think it had gone so well? What kind of a man is this?

“In researching the film and talking to those on the inside of this extraordinary story I got the answers to all these questions. They’re provoking, often surprising, sometimes disturbing – and I think they make for a compelling story about power and abuse and journalistic courage.”

Executive producer Hilary Salmon said: “Sam’s book vividly chronicles the moment-to-moment drama that led to that most revealing and jaw-dropping of TV events. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Sam’s story to life.”

Andrew stepped away from public life after the interview and the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Epstein.

The duke paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked by Epstein and accused Andrew of sexually assaulting her when she was 17.

He denied all her claims.

McAlister’s book – Scoops: Behind The Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews – also features details of other interviews including Julian Assange, Stormy Daniels, Steven Seagal and Amy Schumer.

Related posts:

Clarkson’s Farm, Loki and Lupin ‘I’m devastated’: Brian May shares footage of flooded west London home The Crown leads Emmy nominations with 24 nods – as British talent shines Berlin techno music scene should be protected by Unesco world heritage status, say campaigners Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria delete Twitter accounts following his first interview since on-set shooting Carrie Bradshaw is back – with another brilliant, bonkers wardrobe! Costume designers reveal secrets behind her style Spider-Man: No way to get a BAFTA as Marvel film blocked from nominations ‘Lived life with a twinkle in her eye’: Ronnie Spector dies after ‘brief battle’ with cancer ‘It’s insane’: Johnny Depp’s friend gets emotional in court – saying Amber Heard’s domestic violence claim is ‘fraudulent’ Cardi B and Offset reveal unusual name of baby son and share first pictures of his face Dorries asked to correct record after claiming Channel 4 faked reality show Tower Block of Commons Kurt Cobain’s Smells Like Teen Spirit electric guitar sold for £3.5m at auction