Men Up start date, cast and trailer from new BBC TV drama

A start date and casting has been confirmed new BBC One feature-length drama Men Up.

The one-off piece follows the story of five ordinary Welshmen who embark on an extraordinary journey when they take part in the trial of a new drug which would later become Viagra.

It is inspired by the remarkable true story of one of the world’s first medical trials for the drug, held in Swansea’s Morriston Hospital in 1994.

When is Men Up on TV?

Men Up airs on BBC One on 29 December 2023 at 9PM.

The 90-minute feature-length single drama will also be available to watch online via BBC iPlayer.

For now, you can watch the first trailer below…

Who’s on the cast?

The drama stars Iwan Rheon (Wolf, Game of Thrones, Misfits), Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk, The Pact), Phaldut Sharma (Sherwood, Romantic Getaway), Paul Rhys (A Discovery of Witches, Rellick), Steffan Rhodri (House of the Dragon, Temple), Mark Lewis Jones (Gangs of London, The Phantom of the Open) and Joanna Page (Gavin & Stacey, Dolittle).

They’re joined by Alex Roach (Killing Eve, Sanditon, No Offence), Alexandria Riley (The Pembrokeshire Murders, The Pact), Nathan Sussex (It’s A Sin, Hollyoaks), Lisa Palfrey (Sex Education, COBRA), Dyfan Dwyfor (A Very English Scandal, Requiem) and Katy Wix (Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats).

A teaser shares: “Men Up explores the fragilities of our characters in pursuit of their ultimate reward… the return of a romantic connection in their lives.

“But as the drug brings the hope of a return to that once-lost intimacy, the men realise the hard work has only just begun. The trial will take them to some very unexpected places and force them to re-assess their lives.”

The 90-minute drama is written by Matthew Barry, directed by Ashley Way (White Lines, Stella, Merlin), and produced by Karen Lewis (The Salisbury Poisonings, Years and Years, Happy Valley).

Writer Barry said: “I was sent a one-page document about the real trial that happened in Swansea, and I remember reading it thinking this is such an incredible story. It’s The Full Monty with Viagra and it’s such a no-brainer.”