A captivating new ITV crime drama, set to premiere in September, will delve into the chilling tale of the police’s relentless pursuit of the notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe. Titled “The Long Shadow,” this series will offer an in-depth exploration of Sutcliffe’s heinous crimes, which took place in Yorkshire during the 1970s and 1980s. It will also shed light on the stories of the brave women he targeted.
Over the course of five horrifying years, Sutcliffe claimed the lives of 13 women and attempted to murder seven others before finally being apprehended in 1981. Following his capture, he was sentenced to serve twenty concurrent life sentences at HMP Frankland. Sadly, Sutcliffe passed away at the age of 74 in November 2020, refusing treatment for COVID-19 while battling other underlying health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
ITV has officially announced that “The Long Shadow” will premiere on Monday, September 25th, at 8PM on ITV1. The gripping drama will consist of seven episodes. The series is written and created solely by the award-winning screenwriter George Kay, known for his work on “Hijack” and “Criminal: UK,” and directed by Lewis Arnold, a talented BAFTA-winning director behind projects like “Sherwood,” “Time,” and “Des.”
This meticulously crafted series draws inspiration from extensive research, including hundreds of case files, interview transcripts, and police reports. “The Long Shadow” is also based on Michael Bilton’s highly acclaimed account of the case, “Wicked Beyond Belief,” published by William Collins.
What sets “The Long Shadow” apart is its commitment to giving voice to the investigating police officers, the victims, their families, and the survivors. This fresh perspective offers a profound glimpse into a well-known narrative, adding a new layer of depth and understanding. The cast includes esteemed actors such as Toby Jones, known for his roles in “Sherlock Holmes” and “Harry Potter,” portraying DCS Dennis Hoban, the initial lead investigator; David Morrissey as DCS George Oldfield, the notable figure who took over the case; and Lee Ingleby taking on the role of DCS Jim Hobson.
Characters like Emily Jackson, a 42-year-old mother from Leeds, who turned to sex work to make ends meet and tragically fell victim to Sutcliffe’s brutality in 1976, will be portrayed by the talented Katherine Kelly. Daniel Mays will play Emily’s husband, Sydney Jackson, while Shaun Thomas will depict their son, Neil Jackson. Other cast members include Jill Halfpenny as Doreen Hill, Daisy Waterstone as Jacqueline Hill, Jasmine Lee-Jones as Marcella Claxton, Molly Wright as Donna Deangelo, Liz White as PS Meg Winterburn, and Shaun Dooley as Chris Gregg. The ensemble cast promises exceptional performances that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
In an interview with The Evening Standard, Katherine Kelly expressed how the crimes committed by Peter Sutcliffe left an indelible mark on the community. She shared the profound impact these events had on individuals’ lives, stating, “When you’re from that area, you grow up with the knowledge of those five years of terror. It still lingers within those who lived through that time. It changed everything.” She further elaborated on the heightened awareness and concern for women’s safety during that era. The shadow of fear cast over the community left no one unaffected.
Originally, the series was set to be titled “The Yorkshire Ripper,” a reference to Sutcliffe’s infamous moniker in the press. However, writer George Kay explained during a recent Q&A for the show that a name change was essential. He recognized that this nickname, though widely used, was disrespectful, particularly to the victims’ families. By reframing the narrative with a new title, “The Long Shadow,” it aims to minimize the attention given to a man who does not deserve this dark brand.
Tune in to ITV1 at 8PM on Monday, September 25th, for the premiere of “The Long Shadow.” Prepare to immerse yourself in a haunting tale of crime and justice, as this exceptional drama brings the gripping story of Peter Sutcliffe and the tireless pursuit for justice to life.
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