Hancock and Joan is a 2008 British biographical television film based on the affair between the comedian Tony Hancock and Joan Le Mesurier, the third wife of actor John Le Mesurier. It was first transmitted on BBC Four on 26 March 2008 as part of the Curse of Comedy season. It features Ken Stott and Maxine Peake as the title characters, and Alex Jennings as John. Written by Richard Cottan, directed by Richard Laxton and produced by Simon Heath, it was made by World Productions for the BBC.The drama's first broadcast was watched by 709,000 viewers, making it the most watched programme on BBC Four that week. It was nominated in three categories at the 2009 British Academy Television Awards: best actor for Ken Stott, best actress for Maxine Peake and best single drama.