Peaky Blinders fans rejoice as 'BBC lines up successor set in the same universe' trends now
Following the void left by Peaky Blinders, fans are reportedly set to receive a new injection of criminal underworld drama in the form of new series, Dope Girls.
The BBC are said to be working on a series based on the true story of a single mother who built up a a series of London nightspots which facilitated drug use.
At these illicit hotspots, cocaine and heroine were available freely and shockingly for the time were available to both male and female punters.
The drama is reportedly being produced by Bad Wolf Drama and is being created with a similar feel to the Birmingham-based gangster hit in the 'same universe'.
This section of society rose up following the time of the Great War and was led by Kate Meyrick, who encouraged hedonists to participate in the ever-growing recreational drugs market.
The legacy continues! Following the void left by Peaky Blinders, fans are reportedly set to receive a new injection of criminal underworld drama in the form of new series, Dope Girls
Ringleader: This section of society rose up following the time of the Great War and was led by Kate Meyrick (pictured), who encouraged hedonists to participate in the ever-growing recreational drugs market
The character who is based on the real life criminal trailblazer, is likely to be played by a strong female lead such as Keeley Hawes, Surranne Jones or Gemma Arterton.
Meyrick created a part of society where women were safe to get their kicks using sex and booze, which otherwise would have been condemned.
She quickly garnered a reputation for being the 'most dangerous woman in London', and is thought to have made £500,000 (£17million in today's money).
The drama has been inspired by Marek Kohn’s 1992 book Dope Girls. A TV insider told the Sun: 'This is one of the most exciting TV projects in years and has lots of similarities to Peaky Blinders.
The role of Meyrick will be one of the most sought after in the industry, as she was a trailblazer for women's independence and strength.
'Her story isn't well known and deserves to be in the spotlight. This isn't just a female version of Peaky Blinders, it's a stand-alone story that will shock millions.'
Meyricks empire will likely put Tommy Shelby's in the shadows.
She was a 'tiny wisp of a woman' who presided over some of London's most glamorous nightspots in the roaring 20s, while forging an unconventional path as a single mother-of-eight.
History: The role of Meyrick will be one of the most sought after in the industry, as she was a trailblazer for women's independence and strength (pictured Meyrick receives a basket to welcome her home from prison)
Meyrick had a small legacy from her great aunt and a share portfolio and rental income from properties in Ireland, and after spotting an advert for a partner to run tea dances, she opened Dalton's Club in Leicester Square in 1919.
Royals, millionaires and film stars who wanted to indulge in champagne and the Charleston, and flappers who set the trend in their feathered headbands mingled with violent characters and prostitutes at her clubs.
These venues ingored alcohol curfews while boasting of their exclusivity, and Mary found herself in prison five times for playing fast and loose with the licencing laws.
Most popular was the intimate hub the 43 on Gerrard Street, which has been recreated for an exhibition at The National Archives, The 1920s: Beyond The Roar.
Born in Ireland in 1875, the early years of Meyrick's life were turbulent.
Having lost both of her parents by age seven, she was brought up by her maternal grandmother Isabella Bateman and two grand aunts and educated by a governess until the age of 16.
She admits in her memoir to having been a 'thoroughly wayward child', who preferred adventure to convention.
Perhaps in preparation for her future glitzy life of jazz clubs and rubbing shoulders with high profile individuals, Meyrick abandoned her plans to become a doctor after leaving Alexandra College in 1893 and began to network with Dublin society.
According to the Dictionary of Irish Biography, She married Ferdinand Richard Holmes Merrick, who was a good-looking, blonde, doctor specialising in psychiatric medicine, in a ceremony performed by her stepfather in St John's church, Monkstown.
The couple soon settled down on the Hampshire coast after a short period of living in Dublin and welcomed their first child, Mary Isabel in 1900.
Two years later Kate gave birth to their second child Dorothy Elevyn, and the family for reasons unknown decided to change the spelling of their surname to Meyrick.
When Ferdinand began taking residential mental health patients as his practice grew, Kate found herself in risky situations with one
