'The Slap' to be broadcast on BBC Four

BBC Four has picked up the rights to the Australian drama The Slap.

The eight-part series, based on the award-winning novel by Christos Tsiolkas, focuses on what happens after a man slaps a child who is not his son at a barbecue.

The drama is told from the point of view of eight characters as the boy's parents take the man to court. The 'slap' ends up affecting all of the people involved in different ways.

The BBC promised that The Slap will bring "to vivid life questions of parenting, the rights of children, race, class, sexuality, and the different perspectives of men and women".

The cast of The Slap includes Cold Case's Jonathan LaPaglia, Home and Away and Grey's Anatomy actress Melissa George, Hotel Rwanda star Sophie Okonedo, Charlotte's Web and Australia actress Essie Davis and Neighbours and Underbelly star Alex Dimitriades.

The BBC's head of programme acquisition Sue Deeks described The Slap as a "phenomenon", adding: "This fine Australian adaptation brings the novel's keen-eyed dissection of suburban living to the screen with tremendous performances - it is a truly powerful, compelling and thought-provoking watch."

Meanwhile, BBC Four's controller Richard Klein said: "The book was a runaway success and I'm pleased to bring this very well made tale of our times to the channel.

"It reflects BBC Four's desire to bring viewers the best programming from around the world and its focus on social contemporary issues will bring a different tone to the channel."

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