26 July 2026

S4C will honour the life and legacy of one of Wales' most beloved writers in a special programme celebrating Eigra Lewis Roberts.

Eigra will air on S4C on Friday 24 July, offering viewers a rare and intimate portrait of the acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter. The programme features an exclusive interview with Eigra recorded in 2017 which has never been broadcast before, alongside reflections from family members, fellow writers and close friends.

Eigra Lewis Roberts passed away on 6 March 2026 at the age of 86. During a remarkable career spanning decades, she produced dozens of novels, short story collections, children's books, memoirs and plays. Her storytelling also reached television audiences through adaptations of celebrated Welsh literary works, including Y Graith, Y Wisg Sidan and Kate Roberts classics such as Y Mynydd Grug.

Among those contributing to the programme is award-winning author Caryl Lewis, who reflects on Eigra's influence as both a writer and a mother.

Caryl said:

"Being a mother and being a writer is not easy, so I completely identify and admire her because she was one of the first.

"She was interested in what makes a community a community. Rather than following literary fashions, she knew exactly who she was and what mattered to her."

The programme also reveals the woman behind the books, sharing stories of her love of people-watching, her enjoyment of the amusement arcades and her fondness for spending time eating McDonald’s with friends.

Eigra's daughter, Sioned Lewis, said:

"I think the only times Mum really switched off was when she was playing machines. Every Saturday, Dad would go shopping and Mum would head to the arcade.

"She had her regular seat and everyone knew her there. She loved the competitive element and and would always enjoy telling Dad how much she had won."

Eigra played an important role in the early years of S4C, forging a successful bridge between literature and television. Her novel Minafon became one of the channel's most popular drama series of the 1980s, winning a place in the hearts of viewers across Wales.

Actor John Ogwen, who starred in Minafon and was a close friend of Eigra, said:

"What made Minafon so incredibly popular was its flesh-and-blood characters. People recognised them. Viewers came to know them as though they were real people."

A gifted storyteller with a unique understanding of Welsh communities and everyday life, Eigra Lewis Roberts left an enduring mark on Welsh culture. This special programme celebrates her humour, warmth and extraordinary contribution to Welsh literature and broadcasting while introducing her work to a new generation.

Minafon will be available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from 24 July.