Sheridan Smith unrecognisable in first look at harrowing true-crime drama
BAFTA-winning actor Sheridan Smith, known for two pints of lager and a packet of crisps, is set to star in ITV's upcoming drama based on harrowing true events, titled I Fought The Law. The drama follows Ann Ming (played by Sheridan Smith, who recently starred in The Castaways), a mother who strives to change the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter's murderer finally brought to justice after a 15-year battle.
The heartbreaking and inspirational drama, following a mother driven by unimaginable grief, will be made up of four episodes. A release date is yet to be revealed for the series, which is based on Ann Ming's book 'For The Love of Julie'.
Julie was 22 years old when she was murdered and the synopsis continues: "In the wake of multiple police failings, Ann relentlessly pressures the authorities to uncover the truth and ensure the man responsible is brought to justice - despite initially seeming he will get away with murder."
"Driven by love, grief, and extraordinary determination, Ann and her family campaign tirelessly in Julie's name.
"In her steadfast and indomitable style, Ann takes on the entire justice system - challenging the Crown Prosecution Service, the Law Commission, prominent defence barristers in television debates, the Government, the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, and two Home Secretaries - as she bravely fought the law."
Ann, who worked as a consultant throughout the production process, said she was "overwhelmed" at the prospect of actress Smith portraying her.
She added: "Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.' Smith looks unrecognisable in the first-look images.
She also expressed her pride in playing Ann, saying: "I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed.
"She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude."
The series also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves, Olivia Ng, Jake Davies, Victoria Wyant, Kent Riley, Jack James Ryan, Andrew Lancel and Rufus Jones.
I Fought The Law will air on ITV and STV and be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player. It will be followed by I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story documentary.
The documentary, which is narrated by Smith, sheds light on the case from Julie's disappearance in 1989 until the murderer was retried and jailed for life in 2006.
Featuring exclusive interviews with Ann, her family and friends and retired police officers, the documentary includes evidence that tells the story of her unwavering resolve to get justice for her daughter.
Her fight for justice has since helped secure other landmark convictions, including those of Stephen Lawrence's killers.
I Fought The Law airs on ITV in the autumn.
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