Infamous crime which ‘dumbfounded' Britain being brought back into the spotlight in major new Prime Video documentary

The Sun

04-05-2025

SEVENTEEN years on from a crime that gripped the nation, the 'kidnapping' of Shannon Matthews is being brought back into the spotlight.
Prime Video will re-examine the case in an upcoming documentary which forms part of a large series of true crime investigations airing on the streaming service this year.
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The Hunt For Shannon Matthews, which is expected to be released this summer, looks at how a missing nine-year-old sparked a 24-day search for her in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury.
But it turned out to be an elaborate money-making hoax by her mother, Karen Matthews, who was later jailed along with her accomplice Michael Donovan, after police discovered they had been hiding her in a relative's house.
A TV insider said: 'The original case dumbfounded the nation when it happened and it took years before many could truly grasp what had happened.
'Shows like 2017 ITV drama The Moorside, which starred Sheridan Smith, tried to shed some light on the events but it continues to be a subject that stirs up an array of emotions.
'The creators of the new documentary hope that the passing of time and the benefit of distance might help lend some perspective on the story.'
The documentary is being made by Firecrest Productions, which has made documentaries with everyone from the late Tessa Jowell to Michael Palin and examined a string of real life cases similar to that of Shannon Matthews.
Two more true-crime documentaries will be available on Prime Video later this month, and there will be many more on the streaming service later this year.
The first, The Wimbledon Killer, will drop on May 18 and looks at the horrific murder of Rachel Nickell who was stabbed 49 times in front of her two-year-old son Alex in 1992.
The second, Surviving The Tunisia Beach Attack, is out on May 25 and looks at how UK tourists were caught up in a tragedy where a gunman went on the loose a decade ago in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse.
Shannon Matthews' twisted kidnapper Michael Donovan has died following a short battle with cancer
ALAN DESPERATE TO MEET CLAUDIA
IT'S one of the biggest events in the TV calendar - but there's only one person that BAFTA host Alan Cumming is truly desperate to meet… his The Traitors counterpart Claudia Winkleman.
The actor and comedian, who will keep the audiences entertained at the star-studded awards on Sunday, admitted he's never met Claudia, despite them both hosting the same show.
Alan hosts the US version of the hit BBC One series.
He joked: 'I've never met Claudia - isn't it nuts?
'I actually feel like we might be the same person because you've never seen us in the same room.
'Maybe they just drug one of us and put make-up on us - maybe they put lots of fake tan on me, and a big wig, and I'm actually Claudia!
'We have mutual friends, and nearly met years ago, but it's hilarious the awards will be what brings us together.'
Alan also revealed he was planning on making reference to The Traitors in his choice of outfit for hosting the awards, which will be broadcast on BBC One from 7pm.
He added: 'I've hosted awards where I've had a different look every time I come out, but I have to introduce 23 presenters and that would be exhausting.
'There will be a few different looks, and also a little nod to The Traitors at some point in my fashion extravaganza!'
A ROYAL LICENCE TO GRILL
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THINGS could get royally interesting on new chat show The Assembly.
Bosses of the ITV series – where stars are quizzed by autistic, neurodivergent or learning-disabled fans – have approached members of the Royal Family to take part in a second season.
A source said: 'The show has been a real hit so far.
'Producers now hope for a second series, and have even initiated talks with royals.'
An insider said they are optimistic, as those celebrities featured so far have 'come across brilliantly and really enjoyed the experience'.
But they added: 'Even royalty will be warned no question is out of bounds and no subject off the table.'
Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall found the experience 'challenging and freeing' despite being asked about 'selling her soul' by appearing on The X Factor.
She said: 'There is no malice.
'It's genuine curiosity from genuine people.'
DOM AT HONEST BEST
THE Honesty Box tonight welcomes a contestant who has experience of dating shows – she found the man of her dreams on Love Island.
Unfortunately Dom Blonska was dumped by Anton Danyluk in 2023 – four years after they met in the villa.
Dom said: 'I thought I'd found my man for life.
'I was really, really happy.
'Then things just changed overnight.'
She may have more luck on E4's The Honesty Box, which uses a lie detection system on potential partners that can impact the £100,000 prize fund.
She adds: 'When he called things off, it was heartbreaking for me.'
It's strange, these Love Island relationships usually work out so well.
CALL the Midwife star Helen George, who plays nurse Trixie in the BBC One drama, has confirmed filming of the new series has started.
She posted on Insatagram an image of the cast with a clapperboard, and the words: 'Series 15. 15 years of joy, love and laughter.
'How lucky I've been.'
lDOCTOR WHO'S ratings fell again on Saturday, as viewers for latest episode Lucky Day peaked at 1.6million.
The low mark so far for Ncuti Gatwa's current second series as the Time Lord is 1.5million.
I don't reckon Whovians should should hold their breath for a third Ncuti season.