Mark Lawson talks to screenwriter Jimmy McGovern about his life and career in television drama.

In this insightful interview McGovern shares his memories of working-class Liverpool, how his own struggle with speech drove his love of words, and the lasting impact of being 'steeped in Catholicism'.

After his breakthrough role on Channel Four's Brookside, McGovern went on to pursue his passion for socially and emotionally powerful stories. His fascination with faith and the human conscience was deftly explored in ITV's Cracker and his interrogation of contemporary issues brought him acclaim for Hillsborough, Dockers and Sunday.

Despite a foray into feature films in the controversial Priest, McGovern has remained resolutely smitten with the small screen, most notably in The Lakes, The Street and his latest BBC drama, Accused.