What contributes to a series’ long-running success? Lisa Holdsworth and Thara Popoola share their valuable insights into the craft of writing for iconic returning television series, drawing on their remarkable careers as screenwriters. Holdsworth, writer on Waterloo Road, Call the Midwife and A Discovery of Witches, brings decades of experience in long-form storytelling. Popoola, a Broadcast Hot Shot 2025, has written for Sex Education, Dreaming Whilst Black and Queenie.

Thara Popoola is a NAACP-nominated screenwriter and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree working across comedy and drama. A former paralegal, her writing is sharp and character-driven. Credits include Sex Education, Queenie, Crongton, Dreaming Whilst Black, Black Ops and Pierre. She also co-founded Black Women in Scripted and has several original projects in development.

Lisa Holdsworth has written and produced shows for stage and screen, including Fat Friends, New Tricks, Waterloo Road, Robin Hood, Midsomer Murders, Ackley Bridge, Call The Midwife, All Creatures and Discovery of Witches. She created Dreamers for C4.

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