With a catalogue of major shows to her name, producer Nicola Shindler is one of British television’s big hitters. Honesty and passion are themes that are explored regularly in her productions – from Queer as Folk and Clocking Off to Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley – but as a producer, she’s pragmatic to the needs of broadcasters, too. At the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards, held on 12 May 2019, Shindler was presented with one of BAFTA’s highest honours, the Special Award. Words by Rich Matthews