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Critically acclaimed show The Handmaid's Tale to be shown on Channel 4

The show will premiere on Channel 4 later this month

handmaid tale
Emmy Griffiths
TV & Film Editor
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The new adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale has been making waves in the US, and is now coming to the UK! Channel 4 has confirmed that it has acquired the drama which takes place in 'Gilead', a future totalitarian society in which fertile women are forced into slavery to save the population, after birth rates decrease dramatically. The story follows Offred, a woman who intends to survive the terrifying regime in order to be reunited with her daughter, who was taken from her.

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elisabeth moss© Photo: Rex

Elizabeth Moss stars as Offred

The ten-episode show stars Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss and Shakespeare in Love actor Joseph Fiennes as well as Samira Wiley, Yvonne Strahovski, O-T Fagbenle, Alexis Bledel and Max Minghella. Channel 4's Chief Creative Officer Jay Hunt said: "The Handmaid's Tale is a chilling and frighteningly topical exploration of a world where women are subjugated. I'm delighted that Channel 4 viewers will get to see this critically-acclaimed take on a classic novel."

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Fans had been complaining that the TV series had no plans to be aired in the UK, and were quick to express their delight at the exciting news. One tweeted: "At last! In Great TV News, Channel 4 will air The Handmaid's Tale later THIS MONTH." Another added: "ooh, this is fantastic news. Good one Channel 4." Others were quick to give their opinion on the opening episode, with one writing: "We watched the first episode of the The Handmaid's Tale tonight and it is legitimately one of the most chilling things I've ever viewed," while another wrote: "Has anyone else started watching The Handmaid's Tale? I'm two episodes in and neeeeed to discuss. As equally intrigued as I am disturbed."

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