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Band of Gold is a British television crime drama series that aired for two seasons between 1995 and 1997. The show was produced by Granada Television and created by Kay Mellor, who also wrote and directed the series. The show starred Geraldine James and Cathy Tyson, along with a talented ensemble cast.

The series is set in the fictional town of Bradford in West Yorkshire, England and follows a group of women who become sex workers after being financially and emotionally broken down by their circumstances. The title of the show is a reference to the gold wedding bands that many of the women wear, symbolizing their desperation for money and the sacrifices they have made to survive.

The main character of the series is Gina Dickson, played by Geraldine James. Gina is a recently divorced mother of two who is struggling to make ends meet. She becomes a sex worker after being unable to find another source of income and quickly learns to survive on the streets. Gina is a strong and determined woman, but she is constantly tested by the dangerous and unpredictable nature of her work.

Cathy Tyson plays Joyce, a veteran sex worker who serves as a mentor to Gina and the other women in the group. Joyce is the most experienced and respected member of the group, and she is fiercely protective of the other women. She is also haunted by her past and struggles with addiction, which adds another layer of complexity to her character.

Other key members of the group include Carol (Barbara Dickson), a single mother who is trying to provide for her young daughter; Rose (Samantha Morton), a young woman who is forced into prostitution by her abusive boyfriend; and Anita (Gaynor Faye), a former hairdresser who turns to sex work after losing her job.

The show explores the daily struggles and dangers faced by these women, as well as the underlying economic and social factors that have pushed them into sex work. It also examines the relationships between the women and the police, who are often unsympathetic and judgmental towards them. The show does not glorify or romanticize sex work; instead, it is a powerful and often heartbreaking portrayal of the realities of life on the streets.

Band of Gold received critical acclaim and was praised for its realistic portrayal of sex work and its impact on women's lives. It also sparked controversy for its explicit content and frank depictions of drug use and violence. Despite this, the show was a ratings success and remains a beloved cult classic among fans of British television.

In summary, Band of Gold is a powerful and uncompromising drama series about the lives of sex workers in Bradford, England. With a talented cast and a gritty, realistic tone, the show explores the complex issues surrounding prostitution and the impact it has on women's lives.

Band of Gold is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between March 12, 1995 and on FilmRise