 The drama is "a work of pure fiction" |
A drama based on two young soldiers returning from Iraq with "trophy photos" of Iraqi detainees will air on Channel 4 in January. The Mark of Cain will tell the story of two 18-year-old privates struggling to adjust to life in the UK.
Programme-makers spoke to British soldiers about their experiences, although the programme is fictional.
Channel 4 director of television Kevin Lygo said it would show "how difficult life must be" for young recruits.
Plain Jane
"The drama will explore how they assimilate back into their communities. It is not really making a statement about Iraq. It's saying this is what it means to send young men overseas to fight," he added.
Commissioning editor Liza Marshall said the Ministry of Defence has contacted the broadcaster, expressing an interest in showing the programme to its staff..
 Ashley Jensen (left) stars in US show Ugly Betty |
The drama has been scripted by Bafta-winning writer Tony Marchant and stars Gerard Kearns of Shameless fame.
Other highlights for Channel 4's winter season include comedy film Wedding Belles by Irvine Welsh and screenwriter Dean Cavanagh.
US export Ugly Betty, about a plain Jane who makes her mark in the superficial world of fashion, is also coming to the channel.
The show, based on Colombian soap opera Betty La Fea, has been a big hit in the US, and also gives Extras star Ashley Jensen her first part in a US drama.
Shameless returns for another series, as does The Charlotte Church Show, and Jamie Oliver gives some of his old trainees a chance to set up their own restaurant.
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