Tracey Breaks the News (pilot)

After thirty successful years in the United States, British comedian Tracey Ullman returned to the BBC with the sketch comedy series Tracey Ullman's Show. The show features Ullman performing an eclectic cast of characters, some real-life, others totally original. The show's political and celebrity impersonations, such as her take on a devious Judi Dench, a vain Angela Merkel, and Nicola Sturgeon reimagined as a Bond-type villain were lauded by critics.[4]

Whilst promoting the first and second series of Tracey Ullman's Show, Ullman repeatedly implored for the award-winning British satirical puppet show, Spitting Image to return, feeling that television needed a satirical voice now more than ever.[5] "I think they did a Spitting Image puppet of me once. I didn't think it was that great. She only made one appearance!"[6]

Whilst promoting Tracey Ullman's Show the United States, Ullman spoke about possibly impersonating Melania Trump. Speaking to People: "'I'll let Alec Baldwin do [Trump]. It's not like I'm going to try that one now. No! I'd like to do Melania when things have calmed down a little [...] I think I can do it because she’s from countries that I know. I think I can do it, I think I try,' she delivers in a uncannily Melania-esque accent."[7]

On 26 May 2017, the BBC announced that it had ordered a new topical half hour Tracey Ullman special, Tracey Breaks the News for BBC One. The show is inspired by and due to air shortly after the 2017 British general election. Impersonations expected are Angela Merkel, Nicola Sturgeon, as well as Ullman's first take on Prime Minister Theresa May and Melania Trump. Like Tracey Ullman's Show, it will feature a mix of famous and everyday people all reacting to the aftermath of the general election along with the anniversary of the Brexit vote. It will include the reaction of not only the UK, but Europeans and Russians. "I'm excited the BBC has asked me to make a show at this time. We've decided to shake it up with a more topical format because things move so fast these days it's like every 10 minutes I'm voting for something. There's never been a better time to be imitating world famous political women, and I admire and thank them all: Angela Merkel, Nicola Sturgeon, and my home girl newbie Theresa May. I can't wait to get stuck in - thanks to the BBC and my brilliant team. It really is a privilege."[1][2]

Two days before filming the second series of Tracey Ullman's Show, the Brexit vote occurred causing the show's writers to do last minute rewrites for many of the series' Angela Merkel sketches. Ullman didn't have time to prepare an impersonation of Theresa May as David Cameron was still Prime Minister (although she is mentioned by Merkel in the show's second series finale).[8] Ullman stated her intention on The One Show that if she got a third series, she would have to do May.[9]

The show opens with Prime Minister Theresa May practicing her speech in front of her husband Philip. Russian headquarters try to fix a malfunctioning Melania Bot. Schooling Eastern European workers how to act like British builders post-Brexit. Angela Merkel Skypes with Donald Trump. Has the BBC coverage of Jeremy Corbyn been biased? The Melania Bot is flown back to Russia for maintenance. Voluntary mandatory reeducation program at Labour Party headquarters. A man tries to rent his battle bus. Theresa May is feeling the effects of the recent election result. Polling the pollsters. "When do we get our say?" Not Everyone Thinks Exactly the Same As You Do support group. Nicola Sturgeon is confronted by rival Ruth Davidson on the links. A police constable discusses filming an abusive incident in portrait mode. Seeing an apartment you have no plans of moving into. A woman has voting fatigue. Liberal Democrats headquarters has become much, much smaller. Tracey confronts a Twitter troll. Theresa and Philip are awakened by a phone call from Arlene Foster with more DUP demands.

"Tracey Breaks the News" debuted with a total of 2.4 million viewers; it added a further 1.8 million during its encore showing, bringing the total to 4.2 million.[10]

• Tracey Breaks the News at IMDb
• Tracey Breaks the News at BBC Programmes