Dirty Business
2026 · Channel 4 · 65 min · 1 season
S01E03 · The Whistleblower
Thu, 26 Feb, 8:00 am
Fact-based drama about a retired detective and an Oxford professor and their investigation into the sewage scandal. The story also follows surfer Reuben, who believes his chronic illness, Meniere's disease, is a result of surfing in polluted water.
About
Based on a decade-long investigation into England's water companies, and telling the real stories of whistleblowers and victims who believe their lives have been destroyed after encountering sewage polluted water, Dirty Business is a major new factual drama investigating one of the biggest potential corporate scandals in British history.
Dirty Business follows the story of two unlikely detectives, who notice that the fish in the river running through their idyllic Oxfordshire hamlet are dying. They contact their water company to find out why, and the company's strange and evasive reply sparks an investigation that remains ongoing to this day.
Episodes
- E01
The Accidental Detectives
Tue, 24 Feb· 65 minWhen retired detective Ash Smith and Oxford professor Peter Hammond notice the water in their local river has turned brown, they begin to ask questions, leading to the start of a 10-year investigation.
- E02
Ecocide
Wed, 25 Feb· 65 minContinuing the fact-based drama about retired detective Ash Smith and Oxford professor Peter Hammond and their 10-year investigation into the sewage scandal. The drama also follows the Preen family, who went in search of answers after their eight-year-old daughter died after playing on a beach where a nearby pipe had been discharging.
- E03
The Whistleblower
Thu, 26 Feb· 65 minFact-based drama about a retired detective and an Oxford professor and their investigation into the sewage scandal. The story also follows surfer Reuben, who believes his chronic illness, Meniere's disease, is a result of surfing in polluted water.
Cast
David Thewlis
Ashley Smith
Jason Watkins
Peter Hammond