SCREENWRITER Michael Hirst, who wrote TV dramas Vikings and The Tudors and the film Elizabeth, has been presented with a 'Brafta'.

Mr Hirst, who is from Bradford, reflected on his career at a Screen Talk event, part of Bradford City of Film's 10th anniversary programme. He was interviewed at the Alhambra Studio by City of Film director David Wilson, and took questions from the audience. Afterwards he had a surprise presentation of a Brafta award, marking his achievements in film and television.

Inspired by tales of the medieval Norsemen, Vikings was the History Channel’s first serialised drama and has been a hit worldwide. A sixth series is due this autumn.

Also read: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/17917561.writer-tv-39-s-vikings-tudors-bradford-teacher-shaped-career/

“I try to strike a balance between authenticity and appealing to a modern audience,” Mr Hirst told the T&A. “History is packed with great characters. From a dramatist’s point of view, the important thing is that we know where they came from, and ended up. The Vikings were fascinating. Their attitude towards women was progressive and they were a democratic meritocracy."