Toby Jones, David Morrissey, Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Jill Halfpenny, Jasmine Lee-Jones, Liz White, and Daniel Mays are set to star in the upcoming true crime drama series titled “The Long Shadow,” created by New Pictures and penned by acclaimed writer George Kay. The show is slated to premiere on both ITV1 and ITVX in the coming month.
ITV and ITVX have jointly unveiled the cast for the riveting true crime drama, “The Long Shadow,” which is exclusively written by the renowned screenwriter George Kay, known for his works such as “Hijack” and “Criminal: UK.” The series will be skillfully directed by the BAFTA-winning Lewis Arnold, acclaimed for his directorial prowess in projects like “Sherwood,” “Time,” and “Des.” Audiences can anticipate the show’s debut on ITV1 and ITVX next month.
The series, spanning 7 episodes of 60 minutes each, offers a definitive portrayal of the intensive five-year pursuit of the notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. The narrative sensitively delves into the lives of both the victims who tragically encountered him and the dedicated officers at the forefront of the investigative efforts. Placing the victims, their families, and the survivors at its core, “The Long Shadow” introduces a fresh perspective to a story widely covered.
Impeccably researched, the series draws from an extensive archive of investigative materials, including countless case files, interview transcripts, and police reports. The foundation of the show is also rooted in Michael Bilton’s well-regarded book “Wicked Beyond Belief,” offers an in-depth exploration of the case, published by William Collins.
The accomplished Toby Jones will inhabit the role of DCS Dennis Hoban, the initial lead in the inquiry, while David Morrissey takes on the character of DCS George Oldfield, the investigator who famously took over the case. Lee Ingleby will portray DCS Jim Hobson, Katherine Kelly embodies Emily Jackson, and Daniel Mays assumes the role of Sydney Jackson, Emily’s husband. Shaun Thomas steps into the character of Neil Jackson, their son.
Jill Halfpenny is set to play Doreen Hill, with Daisy Waterstone taking on the part of her daughter, Jacqueline Hill. Jasmine Lee-Jones will portray Marcella Claxton, Molly Wright assumes the role of Donna Deangelo, Liz White embodies PS Meg Winterburn, and Shaun Dooley takes on the character of DCS Chris Gregg.
The diverse cast also includes Alexa Davies, Chloe Harris, Stephen Tompkinson, Jack Deam, Michael McElhatton, Adam Long, Ruth Madeley, Dorothy Atkinson, Rob James-Collier, Charley Webb, Steven Waddington, and Kris Hitchen.
The narrative underscores how a single murder can cast a prolonged shadow, plunging an entire society into darkness. Each victim has a circle of friends and loved ones, while the police officers bear the weight of their near-misses and regrets. The knowledge that their failure allowed more women to suffer remains a haunting burden. The aftermath for those left behind is enduring and profound, with the trauma persisting for decades, akin to a life sentence.
As contemporary society holds accountable the underlying structures that foster misogyny, racism, and violence against women, “The Long Shadow” resonates with historical societal issues while drawing unsettling parallels to more recent tragic events. The show, produced by New Pictures, an award-winning independent production company known for hit dramas like “Des” and “White House Farm,” was filmed in Yorkshire.
Polly Hill, ITV’s Head of Drama, was instrumental in commissioning “The Long Shadow.” The production was conducted in collaboration with Sundance Now, which holds exclusive rights in the U.S. and Canada, and All3Media International.
Commented Polly Hill; “George’s scripts and Lewis’ direction together with this wonderful cast have produced a sensitive and brilliant drama that we are proud to have on ITV.”
The Long Shadow is executive produced by New Pictures co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Willow Grylls (Des, White House Farm, The Missing) with renowned director Lewis Arnold (Time, Sherwood, Des) directing the series. The series is produced by Matt Sandford (Des, White House Farm, Cobra – as script editor), series produced by Sarah Lewis (Noughts + Crosses, McDonald & Dodds) and co-produced by Alison Matthews (Trigger Point, Champion). George Kay, Lewis Arnold and Elaine Pyke also serve as executive producers. Polly Hill is overseeing the production of the drama for ITV.
Commented Willow Grylls; “George Kay, Lewis Arnold and an exceptional cast have bought to life an important event drama that is as tragically resonant today as it was over 40 years ago.”
All3Media International is distributing the series internationally.
