Advertisement

ITV commissions three-part sequel to Stephen Lawrence drama

Stephen Lawrence: Police say they have run out of leads in the murder investigation
Stephen Lawrence: Police say they have run out of leads in the murder investigation

ITV have announced a follow-up to its ground-breaking 1999 drama, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The new three-part series, Stephen, will follow the true events of 2006, thirteen years after Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially-motivated attack while he waited for a bus in Eltham, south east London.

While the Lawrence family knew who was responsible for killing Stephen, the initial investigation by the Metropolitan Police failed to convict them.

The horrifying case, which was given extensive coverage by media outlets, and the lack of justice served led to the Macpherson Inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police “institutionally racist”.

While the report resulted in sweeping changes in the law and police practices, and transformed understanding of racial inequality in the UK, Stephen's killers still evaded justice.

Then-Prime Minister Theresa May marked the 25th anniversary of Lawrence's murder in 2018 (REUTERS)
Then-Prime Minister Theresa May marked the 25th anniversary of Lawrence's murder in 2018 (REUTERS)

Stephen will tell the story of the ongoing struggle of parents Doreen and Neville Lawrence and how DCI Clive Driscoll headed an investigation that secured the convictions of two of the gang who murdered Stephen.

The production team Hat Trick Mercurio has been given the full blessing and support of Doreen and Neville Lawrence to tell the rest of Stephen’s story.

Discussing the new commission, Baroness Doreen Lawrence explained: “I am pleased that The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is being broadcast again. Though the events portrayed in the film took place many years ago they are even more relevant today.

Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, has approved the new drama (Getty Images)
Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, has approved the new drama (Getty Images)

“I am aware that the experience of police racism that we suffered as a family has been the experience of many in the UK. I hope that the film and the drama which has been commissioned will provide some insight into what we went through and give some hope to others that justice can eventually prevail.”

Neville Lawrence added that recent Black Lives Matter protest, which were sparked following the murder of George Floyd while in police custody in the United States, make the drama all the more vital.

“That first film was important in telling Stephen’s story,” he said. “It is important that the next part of the story is told, particularly at a time when, thanks to the Black Lives Matter campaign, concerns around institutional racism are so prominent.

“The recent BLM protests have served to remind people that black men and women continue to be subjected to racially motivated attacks. It was true when Stephen was killed and it still happens.

“It has always been my view that the most powerful response to racism is non-violent resistance and I am heartened to see people from all backgrounds who have come together peacefully across the country to show they will not tolerate racist attitudes. I hope this new film will further help raise awareness.”

Three-parter Stephen will be written by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Hilary and Jackie, Millions, 24-Hour Party People) and Joe Cottrell Boyce (Treasure). God on Trial producer Mark Redhead will serve as executive producer alongside Line of Duty showrunner Jed Mercurio.

ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill said of the commission: “It feels appropriate for us to return to the Stephen Lawrence case on ITV. The brilliant film, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, could only take the story so far, Stephen continues that story.

“It’s important to remember just how long it took Doreen and Neville to get a conviction for two of the men responsible for the death of their son Stephen.”

Read more

Neville Lawrence: Black people in UK still second-class citizens

Lawrence father: Met must work to lose institutional racism label

Stephen Lawrence murder suspect 'attacked in jail' days into sentence