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Dirty Business
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Dirty Business
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Summary
Drama based on real-life investigations into water pollution, and the lives of people affected by sewage in Britain's rivers. Starring David Thewlis
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Review
Jack Seale
It may not have had the impact of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, but this docudrama is likely to shift many viewers’ political views. David Thewlis and Jason Watkins are excellent as Ash Smith and Peter Hammond, (real) friends who wonder why their local river is suddenly so polluted. Their dogged investigating reveals a litany of slack practices by water companies and a shocking lack of efficacy at the toothless regulator, the Environment Agency.
Both of those are played for deadpan laughs by the cast, which also includes Charlotte Ritchie and Vicki Pepperdine, but some of the facts will make you seethe.
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8.4/10
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Cast
rolenameAsh SmithDavid ThewlisAshley SmithDavid ThewlisPeter HammondJason WatkinsJulie PreenPosy SterlingMark PreenTom McKaySir James BevsnAlex JenningsSir James BevanAlex JenningsMickey LazarusAsim ChaudhrySusan DayAlice LoweHannah SwiftChanel CresswellHanna SwiftChanel CresswellLucy HuntVicki PepperdineSophie HarrisonCharlotte Ritchie
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Seasons
Latest season
Season 1
News & features about Dirty Business
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Dirty Business true story: 'This is something that affects all of us... we should all be a lot angrier'
The Channel 4 factual drama, starring Jason Watkins and David Thewlis, delivers a damning indictment of the decline of Britain’s waterways and its devastating impact on wildlife and public health. Campaigner Peter Hammond and actor Tom McKay spoke exclusively to Radio Times about the urgent need for change.
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I directed Channel 4's Dirty Business and this is why we need to end the 35-year train-wreck of water privatisation
Behind the scenes on the rage-inducing new factual thriller.
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Harry Potter and The Crown legends star in first look at "extraordinary" drama about real-life British water companies' sewage scandal
Dirty Business stars David Thewlis, Jason Watkins and Asim Chaudhry.
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TV Festival 2026 Awards confirm nominations including Slow Horses and Brenda Blethyn drama
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