Lisa Holdsworth

BBC Writers interviews TV writer Lisa Holdsworth (New Tricks, Waterloo Road, Fat Friends, Emmerdale)

Lisa Holdsworth spoke with BBC Writers at the New Writing North Screenwriting Weekender in 2026 and gave us her top writing tips, the best resources that writers should be making use of, and her desert island box sets. 

Lisa also went into the difference between writing on continuing drama and original drama, as well as discussing how she broke into the industry. 

BBC Writers interviews Lisa Holdsworth (2026)

00:00 - What was your journey into screenwriting?

01:30 - Does your process change when writing original drama vs on existing shows?

02:20 - What resources should writers be taking advantage of?

03:39 - What are your top three writing tips?

04:46 - Is there anything that you still find challenging about writing? 

05:43 - What do you love about being a writer?

06:37 - What would be your three desert island DVD box sets?

BBC Writers Interviews Lisa Holdsworth (2013)

Below, you can also watch our previous interview with Lisa Holdsworth from 2013.

Lisa Holdsworth talks to us about her journey from PA to BAFTA-nominated television writer. She talks about how she secured her first commission writing on ITV's Fat Friends, going on to write for New Tricks, Waterloo Road and Emmerdale to name a few.

Lisa tells us why Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Clocking Off are two of her favourites, and how she draws on the characters from her own life in her writing. She talks about the important role that TV drama can play in raising consciousness, and shares her best piece of advice for writers.

BBC Writers interviews...Lisa Holdsworth

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