MAXINE: CHANNEL 5 ANNOUNCE THREE-PART TRUE CRIME DRAMA

Channel 5 have announced the commission of its first true crime drama since the inception of its original drama slate in 2019.

Maxine (3 x 60”) will examine the investigation of school assistant Maxine Carr and her caretaker fiancé Ian Huntley, who was later imprisoned for the double murder of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the tragic case that shocked the nation.

The three-part drama will explore their tumultuous relationship through Maxine’s perspective; why she lied for him and how she became public enemy No.1, as well as reflect the scale of the police investigation and subsequent media frenzy around the biggest manhunt ever seen in British history.

Mike Benson and Julie Ryan are executive producers on the series. Laura Way joins the team as director, whilst Simon Tyrrell serves as the writer.

On the addition to Channel 5’s 2022 drama slate Sebastian Cardwell said: “The series marks a new venture into the true crime genre for Channel 5 drama and will give viewers an in depth examination of Maxine Carr and her role in one of the most notorious crimes in recent British history.”

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard added: “Few crimes have embedded themselves in the national psyche more than the tragic events of Soham in 2002. It was a case which was unique in recent history in terms of the sheer scale of the media coverage and how this affected and nearly derailed the investigation and subsequent trial...

“We will explore this within the drama alongside the role played by Maxine Carr – dubbed “The Most Hated Woman in Britain.”

The series will commence shooting on location in Ireland in 2022. Casting details will be announced in the coming months.