We are thrilled to share that 9 Story’s powerful live-action series for BBC and BYUtv, A Kind of Spark has won in the Children’s Programme category at this year’s RTS Programme Awards 2024! Presented annually, the RTS Programme Awards span all the genres of television programming, from soaps to history, children’s fiction to comedy performance. They recognise exceptional actors, presenters, writers and production teams as well as the programmes themselves. The winners of this year’s RTS Programme Awards were presented at the illustrious awards ceremony that took place on the evening of Tuesday, March 26th, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London, hosted by esteemed comedian Tom Allen.
A Kind of Spark wins the Children’s Programme award. Jurors praised the show for its “intriguing thematic hook combined with truly great storytelling” #RTSAwards pic.twitter.com/XMvQjqLIIt
— Royal Television Society (@RTS_media) March 26, 2024
On hand to accept this year’s RTS Award for ‘Children’s Programme’, on behalf of the entire A Kind of Spark production, was writer Elle McNicoll, series lead Lola Blue (Addie), series Creator Anna McCleery, and Executive Producer for the BBC Amy Buscombe. Other nominees in this year’s ‘Children’s Programme’ category include FYI Investigates: Kids Who Vape by Fresh Start Media for Sky Kids & Sky News, Tabby McTat from Magic Light Pictures for BBC.
Kenton Allen, Chair of the RTS Programme Awards, said:
“Gathered tonight, we commemorate yet another remarkable year for the UK television sector, underscoring its unmatched programming diversity spanning gripping dramas, uproarious comedy, and enlightening documentaries. Amidst rigorous deliberations by the juries, the winners stand as testament to their unwavering merit. Here’s to acknowledging the achievements of all involved—a reflection of an industry poised for continued innovation and impact in the UK and around the world.”
Based on the award-winning book by neurodivergent children’s author Elle McNicoll, A Kind of Spark is powerful and heart-warming story about friendship, courage and self-belief. The series interweaves the past and present in ten action packed episodes full of the joys of friendship, sisterhood, the drama of growing up, mystery and magic.
A Kind of Spark takes place in the small village of Juniper where teenager, Addie, a bright and sparky autistic girl, dreams of acceptance in a conservative community. Addie’s desire to be herself and protect her sister from prejudice becomes entwined with a historical mystery of Maggie and Elinor, two sisters in the 16th century. Maggie was accused of witchcraft and mysteriously vanished before she could be brought to trial while Elinor is struggling with her true self. As Addie tries to figure out what happens to Maggie, she discovers an even more surprising connection to Elinor. Can Addie challenge how the people live-action see her and her autism and make her voice heard?
Filmed in Knutsford, Manchester, and produced by 9 Story Media Group, A Kind of Spark has authentic representation throughout its production with the three lead characters of Addie, Keedie and Nina played by neurodivergent actors, along with approximately 50% of the cast and crew also being neurodivergent. The series also secured a season 2 greenlight from BBC and BYUtv, which began filming in September 2023, in Northern Ireland.
This Autism Acceptance Month we are thinking of Elle McNicoll’s (@BooksandChokers) #AKindofSpark, which advocates for neurodiverse stories and TV talent.
A Kind of Spark took home the Children’s Programme Award at the RTS Programme Awards 2024. pic.twitter.com/mxI0lb9lbI
— Royal Television Society (@RTS_media) April 3, 2024
A Kind of Spark is created for television by Anna McCleery (Free Rein, Secret Life of Boys) and produced by 9 Story Media Group. Lead writers are Anna McCleery and Elle McNicoll (A Kind of Spark, Show Us Who You Are) with Karissa Hamilton-Bannis and Vicki Lutas. It is executive produced for 9 Story by Gráinne McNamara.
Congratulations to our entire exceptional A Kind of Spark team! This win is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our incredible partners, talent, creatives and crew. Each member of this remarkable community has played a vital role in bringing Elle McNicoll’s incredible vision to life. A well-deserved recognition all around.
Please find the full list of this year’s honorees here.
Watch A Kind of Spark BBC iPlayer, Cbeebies in the UK, on BYUtv in the US and on CBC Gem in Canada.
✨Click here to watch the trailer now.✨
Keep up to date with all the exciting news and updates from A Kind of Spark, be sure to follow @AKindofSparkTV on social: