S4C has cancelled its planned three-part drama about convicted paedophile headteacher Neil Foden, apologising for the distress the project caused to those affected by his crimes.
The channel had commissioned the series, provisionally titled Y Pennaeth (The Head Teacher), earlier this year. It was set to examine the failures and missed opportunities to stop Foden, who was headteacher at Friars School in Bangor before his arrest in 2023.
Welsh actor Mark Lewis Jones had been cast to play Foden, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls between 2019 and 2023.
Decision to Cancel the Drama
On Wednesday, November 11, S4C announced it would not proceed with the drama, stating that "the wellbeing of those affected by these events comes first."
An S4C spokesperson said: "S4C has an important role in telling stories that shine a light on matters of public interest.
"However, following careful consideration, we have concluded that it would not be appropriate to proceed with the drama series provisionally titled Y Pennaeth.
"The wellbeing of those affected by these events comes first. This is S4C's decision, and we apologise for the distress this has caused.
"Out of respect for the privacy of those affected, we will not be commenting further."
Background and Development
The drama was relying on evidence and documentation from the trial at Mold Crown Court, alongside an independent report prepared by expert Jan Pickles. An independent review in 2025 found that more than 50 opportunities to prevent Foden from continuing to sexually abuse girls had been wasted.
Y Pennaeth was to be produced by MOJO Productions, which had devoted 18 months to developing the series in conjunction with S4C.
