Maxine | Preview (Channel 5)

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

Newcomer Jemma Carlton will play the lead role of Maxine Carr, with Scott Reid (White House Farm, Line of Duty, Carnival Row) starring as Ian Huntley.

Steve Edge (The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Starlings, Floodlights) stars as journalist Brian Farmer, along with Natalie Britton (Them, Upcoming Reasonable Doubt, Finding You) as tabloid journalist Jane Kerrigan. In addition, Kate O’Toole (The Dead, Possession, Man on the Train) also features.

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard commented: “The events of Soham in 2002 were a tragedy which touched the nation at large - and as such the casting process has been of primary importance to allow us to tell the story authentically and sensitively...

"We believe we’ve brought together a hugely talented and intelligent cast who bring nuance and a sense of realism to some really challenging roles”.

Episode 1: Maxine Carr moves to Soham for a fresh start with her boyfriend Ian Huntley. On a weekend home to see her mother, and following a jealous argument with Ian, Maxine parties the night away in her hometown of Grimsby.

She awakens to the news of the girls’ disappearance and returns to Soham to provide Ian with an alibi. As media interest escalates and the police search intensifies, the couple become increasingly exposed, and we’re left to wonder — how much does Maxine really know?

Maxine begins Monday 10th October at 9pm on Channel 5.