SAS: Rogue Heroes: First trailer for new drama by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight released

BBC bosses have released the first gripping trailer for new drama SAS: Rogue Heroes from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

The show is being adapted from Ben Macintyre’s book of the same name and it tells the story of real-life Special Forces unit, the SAS, showing how they were formed in North Africa during the Second World War.  

In the trailer, released on Sunday, the likes of actor Alfie Allen, 35, Skins’ Jack O’Connell, 31, Sex Education star Connor Swindells, 25, and The Affair actor Dominic West, 52, are all seen in character.

Set in 1941, the promo opens with scenes of the arid landscape around Cairo in Egypt, with the words ‘inspired by true events’ emblazoned across the screen.

The soldiers are seen at a camp in the searing heat, with one army member telling the prospective members of the SAS: ‘I understand you gentleman are very good at killing people.’

Explosive scenes then unfold as a battle breaks out in the desert, with flames bursting into the sky as bombs detonate, while dust sprays upwards as bullets hit the ground. 

Telling the tale: The show is being adapted from Ben Macintyre’s book of the same name and it tells the story of real-life Special Forces unit, the SAS

Other members of the ensemble cast include Sofia Boutella, 40, Jason Watkins, 55, Tom Glynn-Carney, 27, Stuart Campbell, 23, Virgile Bramly, 41, Moritz Jahn, 26, Ralph Davis and Ian Davies. 

The six-part series is written and executive produced by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight and will focus on how warfare was changed after one officer – David Stirling (Connor Swindells) – decided to form his own squad to infiltrate enemy lines in a bid to gain the British infantry an upper hand

A synopsis for the show reads: ‘Cairo, 1941. David Stirling (Connor Swindells) – an eccentric young officer, hospitalised after a training exercise went wrong – is bored.  

Looking back: The series shows how the SAS were formed in North Africa during the Second World War

‘Convinced that traditional commando units don’t work, he creates a radical plan that flies in the face of all accepted rules of modern warfare.

‘He fights for permission to recruit the toughest, boldest and brightest soldiers for a small undercover unit that will create mayhem behind enemy lines.

‘More rebels than soldiers, Stirling’s team are every bit as complicated, flawed and reckless as they are astonishingly brave and heroic.’

Stars: In the trailer, the likes of actor Alfie Allen, 35, Skins’ Jack O’Connell, 31 (left), Sex Education’s Connor Swindells, 25 (right), and The Affair’s Dominic West, 52, are seen

In a statement, Steven said of the programme: ‘It has been a privilege to work on a project which tells the story of a renegade band of soldiers who used wit and imagination as much as firepower to halt the march of Fascism across North Africa during the darkest days of World War Two.  

‘This is a war story like no other, told in a way that is at once inspired by the facts and true to the spirit of this legendary brigade of misfits and adventurers.’

While producer Karen Wilson added: ‘With filming now complete, we’re incredibly excited to give the world a first look at our Rogue Heroes.

History: Set in 1941, the promo opens with scenes of the arid landscape around Cairo in Egypt, with the words ‘inspired by true events’ emblazoned across the screen (L-R: Alfie Allen and Theo Barklem-Bigg)

‘A huge thank you to the series’ peerless cast and crew for bringing Steven Knight’s ambitious, extraordinary scripts to life with such skill and style.’

Connor Swindells’ character, Colonel David Stirling, was a founding member of the SAS, a commando force that operated behind enemy lines during the North African campaign of the Second World War. 

The SAS began with five officers and 60 other ranks when it was first conceived, and their first mission was a parachute drop supporting Operation Crusader in 1941 which ended in disaster, and may well be what Jack and Connor were filming.

Hitting screens: SAS: Rogue Heroes will on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2022 (Sofia Boutella seen as Eve in the show)

During their first skirmish 22 men were killed or captured, however their second mission was a huge success after the SAS successfully destroyed 60 aircraft over three airfields.

Stirling, who Connor plays, was captured by enemy combatants in 1943 and Paddy Mayne, played by Jack, replaced him as commanding officer of the SAS, which was split into two factions the Special Raiding Squadron (SRS) and the Special Boat Section.  

SAS: Rogue Heroes will on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2022. 

Acting out: Connor (pictured) plays founding SAS member Colonel David Stirling who was captured by enemy combatants in 1943 during the war

Filmmaker: Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has been involved in the making of SAS: Rogue Heroes (Steven pictured in February)