EXCLUSIVE: In a competitive situation, Roughcut TV, the BAFTA-winning British producer behind Stath Lets Flats and People Just Do Nothing, has swooped for the rights to adapt Sarah Vaughans fourth novel into a television series.

The company, spearheaded by The Office producer Ash Atalla, considers the deal for Little Disasters to be an important moment in its strategy to move into high-end drama. It follows Vaughan becoming a hot property in TV after Netflix set an adaptation of her third book, Anatomy Of A Scandal, with Big Little LiescreatorDavid E. Kelley showrunning and Sienna Miller starring.

Little Disasters is apsychological thriller, centering on pediatrician, Dr Liz Trenchard, who is surprised to find the child of her close friend, Jess, has been admitted to accident and emergency. Jess is an attentive mother, but Trenchard has a dreadful feeling that her friends explanation for what happened doesnt reflect the childs injuries. As she alerts the authorities, Jess life unravels and guarded secrets surface, with consequences for their friendship group.

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Roughcut TV is currently interviewing writers for the series and is yet to take the project to market. Vaughan said she was blown away by the companys pitch for the book, saying it has a commitment to being brave and true to the darkness of the story.

Roughcuts drama development producer Marianna Abbotts, who works alongside head of scripted Alex Smith, added: Sarahs meticulously researched story bravely explores the dark reaches and intense love of motherhood through a taut, compelling psychological thriller. The female friendships at the heart of the book and the way mothers judge each other make this a hugely universal and relatable subject.

Roughcut TV is currently working on a third season of Channel 4s BAFTA-winning realtor comedy Stath Lets Flats, which has been picked up by HBO Max in the U.S., as well as a movie based on BBC Threes pirate radio mockumentary People Just Do Nothing.

Anatomy Of A Scandal is currently shooting in the UK. Michelle Dockery(Downton Abbey) andRupert Friend(Strange Angel) co-star in the anthology series about a high-flying Westminster politician whose marriage unravels when he is accused of rape. House Of CardsshowrunnerMelissa James Gibson is collaborating with Kelley on the drama, which is directed by S.J. Clarkson(Succession).

Roughcut TV is repped by CAA. Vaughans deal was brokered by Penelope Killick at David Higham Associates.

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Roughcut TV Lands Rights To Little Disasters From Sarah Vaughan, The Author Behind Netflix Series Anatomy Of A Scandal - Deadline