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ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
I Fought The Law
EMBARGO: Information from this press pack is embargoed until 14th August 2025 We also ask that the interviews in this press pack are used within ensemble pieces only. Permission isn't granted to use any of the quotes for solo features. I Fought The Law is a brand new four part drama series from ITV and Hera Pictures starring BAFTA winning actor Sheridan Smith. Sheridan portrays Ann Ming in the heartbreaking and inspiring real-life story of a mother who, driven by unimaginable grief, finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter's murderer finally brought to justice after a 15 year battle. Produced by Hera Pictures (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Mary & George, Hamnet, Temple, Honour) the four-part series is written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) and is based on Ann Ming's book 'For The Love of Julie'. The drama follows the tragic, moving, and deeply inspiring journey of the Ming family after the murder of their beloved 22-year-old daughter, Julie. 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.' Commissioned by ITV's Director of Drama Polly Hill, I Fought The Law also features Daniel York Loh (Scarborough) as Ann's husband, Charlie Ming, and Enzo Cilenti (The Crown) as DS Mark Braithwaite. The series also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves (Doctor Who), Olivia Ng (Phoenix Rise), Jake Davies (Grace), Victoria Wyant, Kent Riley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jack James Ryan (Passenger, Vera), Andrew Lancel (Unforgotten) and Rufus Jones (Hijack). Hera Pictures produced the series in association with All3Media International. The Executive Producers for Hera Pictures are Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber. The series is directed by Erik Richter Strand (The Crown) and produced by Mark Hedges (Time).
ITV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
ITV AND HERA PICTURES REVEAL FIRST LOOK IMAGES FROM I FOUGHT THE LAW STARRING BAFTA WINNER SHERIDAN SMITH AND DANIEL YORK LOH
***NEW DOCUMENTARY ALSO PLANNED FOCUSING UPON ANN MING'S HISTORIC CAMPAIGN*** DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE ITV and Hera Pictures have today released first look images from I Fought The Law, a brand-new drama starring BAFTA winning actor Sheridan Smith. Sheridan portrays Ann Ming in the heart breaking and inspiring real-life story of a mother who, driven by unimaginable grief, finds strength to challenge the centuries-old Double Jeopardy Law to see her daughter's murderer finally brought to justice after a 15-year battle. Produced by Hera Pictures (What It Feels Like For A Girl, Mary & George, Hamnet, Temple, Honour) the four-part series is written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) and is based on Ann Ming's book 'For The Love of Julie'. The series will launch the autumn season for ITV and STV and will be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player. The drama follows the tragic, moving, and deeply inspiring journey of the Ming family after the murder of their beloved 22-year-old daughter, Julie. 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.' As a consultant throughout the production process, Ann Ming commented on the television adaptation: 'I am very pleased that ITV and Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter's killer was wrongfully acquitted, and I wasn't going to let this law stand in my way of getting justice for Julie. I'm overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.' On her role, playing Ann, Sheridan Smith commented: '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.' Commissioned by ITV's Director of Drama Polly Hill, I Fought The Law also features Daniel York Loh (Scarborough) as Ann's husband, Charlie Ming, and Enzo Cilenti (The Crown) as DS Mark Braithwaite. The series also features Marlowe Chan-Reeves (Doctor Who), Olivia Ng (Phoenix Rise), Jake Davies (Grace), Victoria Wyant, Kent Riley (Mr Bates vs. The Post Office), Jack James Ryan (Passenger, Vera), Andrew Lancel (Unforgotten) and Rufus Jones (Hijack). Hera Pictures produced the series in association with All3Media International. The Executive Producers for Hera Pictures are Liza Marshall and Charlotte Webber. The series is directed by Erik Richter Strand (The Crown) and produced by Mark Hedges (Time). I Fought The Law will air on ITV and STV and be available to stream on ITVX and STV Player this autumn, followed by I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story documentary. Produced by MultiStory Media the documentary, which is narrated by Sheridan Smith, takes a detailed look at the case from Julie's disappearance in 1989 until the murderer was retried and jailed for life in 2006, becoming the first person convicted under the changed law. Featuring exclusive interviews with Ann, her family and friends, retired police officers, and other key individuals close to the story, the documentary will also include rare archive and images that tell the story of one mother's unwavering resolve to get justice for her daughter. The documentary shows Ann's extraordinary campaign, her unshakable determination, and how her fight for justice has since helped secure other landmark convictions, including those of Stephen Lawrence's killers.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
London Trans+ Pride's record-breaking march will return for sixth year in a row
In 2024, the London Trans+ Pride march made history with a record-breaking turnout of over 60,000 participants, making it the largest Trans+ Pride march ever. Organisers sifted through the data and announced that it had become "the biggest trans pride in the world". Looking ahead to 2025, they are aiming for even greater numbers and continued support. Celebrating its seventh year of bold protest, visibility, and unity, this year's London Trans+ Pride is centred around the urgent theme of 'Existence and Resistance'. The event has attracted strong backing from high-profile figures such as Jeremy Corbyn, Jessie Ware, Jameela Jamil, Eddie Suzy Izzard, Jake Shears, Will Young, Clara Amfo, Harris Dickinson, among others, who have all conveyed their messages of solidarity. MAFS star Ella Morgan shares mental health struggle since Supreme Court's trans ruling London Trans+ Pride hosted a press launch event, bringing together leading activists, celebrities, and advocates in anticipation of the monumental march. Among those in attendance were Munroe Bergdorf - the first transgender model to lead a L'Oréal campaign, Ella Morgan, Married At First Sight's first trans bride, Heartstopper's Bel Priestley, musician Romy, Hannah Jones and Alex Thomas-Smith from BBC's new drama What It Feels Like For A Girl, and principal organisers from action network Trans Kids Deserve Better. During the event, Munroe Bergdorf said: "That's what I love so much about London Trans Pride - I arrive feeling stressed, and then I leave feeling galvanised and seen and loved and held." Young campaigners from Trans Kids Deserve Better delivered impassioned speeches about the impact on their generation, with activist Merlin stating: "It's hard to explain, especially to a cis person, what it's like to feel like you're watching all of the pieces fall into place to take everything away from you. We're going to march in the streets of London and take up space, because we're not usually allowed to take up space." What is London Trans+ Pride? Initially a modest community event, what began as a grassroots gathering has grown into a bold and formidable, record-setting movement. This year's march occurs at a pivotal juncture after the UK Supreme Court verdict redefined "biological sex" in a manner that permits the exclusion of trans women from single-sex services - a verdict reached without input or consultation from any trans-led groups. At a moment when trans+ individuals in the UK are increasingly sidelined — via harsh laws, provocative media stories, and a significant regression of rights — this year's parade holds greater significance than ever. Amid escalating political animosity, the event stands as a bold rejection of erasure and a festivity of trans+ existence, history, resilience, activism, and joy. The key demands of this year's march include: an outright ban on conversion therapy, fully funded gender-affirming healthcare, and legal acknowledgement for non-binary people. The organisers of the march have made their intentions clear: "We don't want special treatment — we want to live in peace, to love freely, to build our futures without fear." When is London Trans+ Pride? Mark your calendars for a momentous occasion as London Trans+ Pride is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025. Those participating or showing their support will gather on the street at 1pm, with the march kicking off at 2pm. Where is London Trans+ Pride? The assembly point for participants and supporters is Langham Place at 1pm, from where they will begin marching at 2pm. The march is anticipated to conclude around 4pm at Parliament Square Gardens and its adjacent streets (not Wellington Arch), featuring speeches from community members. For those with disabilities or others who prefer not to partake in the full 2-hour march, there's an alternative to join directly at Parliament Square Gardens any time after 2pm. Celebrities showing support In a show of unity, singer Jessie Ware has voiced her support, stating: "Trans rights are human rights. I proudly stand with the trans community - with love and respect, always." The Good Place actress, Jameela Jamil, has also come forward in solidarity with the trans community, declaring: "The trans community are leaders in freedom, passion, solidarity, and frankly, fun. It is in the best interests of our society to uphold and protect them. As they have always tried to uphold and protect others." Singer Paloma Faith has voiced her unwavering support, stating: "I stand in solidarity with the trans community and always will. Trans rights are human rights and they deserve our protection, empathy and understanding. I despise that they are being used as scapegoats for human suffering when the source of it is actually the very people who try and brainwash people into discriminating against them. My heart goes out to all my trans friends, I am a proud and loving ally." For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Former Labour leader and MP Jeremy Corbyn has also shown his backing for the trans community, saying: "There has never been a more important time to turn up in solidarity with the trans community. Trans people are one of the most marginalised groups in society, but they are so much more than that. They are artists. They are writers. They are campaigners. Above all, they are human beings who just want to live in dignity and peace." British comedian and actor Eddie Suzy Izzard has made her stance clear too, affirming, "Women's Rights are Human Rights and Trans Rights are Human Rights. End of story. We have to make this work," while singer-songwriter Will Young has declared, "I stand in full solidarity with all trans people. The political hijacking of your lives and bodies is driven by a minority, and please know that you are supported, cared for, and loved." A host of other prominent individuals have stepped forward to express their support for the trans+ community and the London Trans+ Pride march. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Metro
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Hundreds of thousands celebrate London Pride with focus on trans rights
A Pride party brightened up a drizzly central London today — although many of those thronging the streets had a serious message to deliver. Tens of thousands took part in the rainbow march taking place in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman. More than a million people overall were expected to attend the event, which includes the procession and stage areas, according to TfL Commissioner of Transport Andy Lord. Singer and actor Olly Alexander was among the LGBTQ+ artists who decried the court ruling and expressed fears trans people are being 'villainised more than ever'. The judgement was also criticised by writer Shon Faye and actor Ellis Howard, who stars in the BBC drama What It Feels Like For A Girl. Crowds danced on floats and walked in solidarity around city landmarks after the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan shouted 'happy Pride' and more than a dozen motorcyclists from LGBTQ+ groups led the way. The procession of more than 500 organisations filed from Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly Circus, and on to the end at Whitehall Place. Ahead of the day, Pride in London said 35,000 participants would be 'marching in solidarity' in the main procession. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! Bearskins of the Foot Guard Regiments were part of the scene as more than 400 members of the UK armed forces and related charities took part. There were shouts for 'trans rights now' as the engines roared and rain started to fall on Saturday afternoon. American pop singer Chaka Khan is due to appear on the Trafalgar Square stage as the headliner of the event, now in its 53rd year. Former Years And Years singer Alexander said: 'Trans people right now, they need our support and love more than ever, they're being villainised, demonised in the press, by a lot of the media, and trans people they're just like us… they're you, they're me. 'They deserve the same respect, the same rights, the same privileges, same opportunities, and that's why Pride is so important this year.' The event took place four months after the Supreme Court ruled that the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Shon Faye, author of Love in Exile and The Transgender Issue, said before the event: 'For the trans community in particular here in the UK, we've seen an onslaught of misinformation, attacks in the media, and unfortunately the roll back of human rights in the courts. 'I think (Pride) is more important than ever – I think a lot of trans people have been made to feel afraid in public space and pride this year is about taking back public space, and showing what we're not going to be silenced, and we're not going to be intimidated.' Howard played Paris Lees in the BBC dramatisation of her memoir and, like Alexander and Faye, was supporting trans rights charity Not A Phase at the parade. He told PA that 'we're in an incredibly precarious political time' and said Pride this year is 'more important than ever'. The actor added: 'I think it's so, so important that we show up as queers, as allies, and we celebrate. 'Joy is an act of resistance. 'I hope it shows queers of all ages that we stand with you, we are for you, and we love you'. Sir Sadiq said 'it was an honour and a privilege' to walk at the front of the procession. The city's mayor described the event as a 'defiant reminder that we must keep fighting for equality and take a stand against those seeking to roll back hard-won rights.' Ella Morgan, who was part of the Pride in London live commentary team, also reflected on the difficulties faced by the trans community in the past few years after the 'joy' of expressing her true self on holiday. Ella, who came out as a trans woman 15 years ago and spoke at the Metro's Pride Awards, said: 'Now I do feel ironically less happy. 'I'm more scared and I'm conscious of the places I think to visit. 'So I wanted to do things in America, work in America, and obviously that now is something I'm slightly worried about doing. 'I've been to America years ago and I felt really safe. 'Now because of the Trump administration and also I guess because of what's going on here as well, I was afraid my passport was going to be changed from female back to male. 'But I don't think it will stop me, I just think I'm conscious and I'll be worrying in my head a lot, not only about visiting another country but about what people will say and think.' Some headed on to after-parties, including at the Clapham Grand, which has become a focal point for LGBTQ+ events and parties. More Trending A spokesperson said: 'The Clapham Grand celebrates Pride with its biggest ever day of parties, headlined by Nadine Coyle, Bimini, Booty Luv, Tete Bang and many more, welcoming over 1,500 party people through their doors while also raising funds for trans+ charity, Not A Phase.' London Trans Pride is being celebrated on Saturday, July 26. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Full list of LGBTQ+ icons who won Metro Pride Awards revealed MORE: Trans woman 'covered in blood and bruises' after transphobic attack in street MORE: I moved to London dreaming of LGBTQ+ paradise — the reality is bleak
South Wales Guardian
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
LGBT artists decry Supreme Court ruling at rainy London Pride parade
Writer Shon Faye and the lead actor in the BBC drama What It Feels Like For A Girl, Ellis Howard, also criticised the judgment. The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan shouted 'happy pride' and thousands people started to walk through central London, led by a more than a dozen motorcyclists from LGBT groups. There were shouts for 'trans rights now' as the engines roared and rain started to fall on Saturday afternoon. American pop singer Chaka Khan is headlining the event that saw around 500 organisations file from Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly Circus, and on to Whitehall Place. Former Years And Years singer Alexander told the PA news agency: 'Trans people right now, they need our support and love more than ever, they're being villainised, demonised in the press, by a lot of the media, and trans people they're just like us… they're you, they're me. 'They deserve the same respect, the same rights, the same privileges, same opportunities, and that's why pride is so important this year.' The solo artist and Eurovision 2024 contestant added: 'There's been a real backlash against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and that's been going on for years, and I think we're in a bit of a swing, that's going against where we were maybe five years ago. 'We've had the Supreme Court ruling and I feel like a lot of trans people are scared, rightfully scared, they don't understand… what their lives are going to look like.' In April the Supreme Court ruled the words 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. Before the march began Shon Faye, author of Love in Exile and The Transgender Issue, said 'we've just seen an unprecedented attack on queer rights and trans rights across the world'. She told PA: 'For the trans community in particular here in the UK, we've seen an onslaught of misinformation, attacks in the media, and unfortunately the roll back of human rights in the courts. 'I think (pride) is more important than ever – I think a lot of trans people have been made to feel afraid in public space and pride this year is about taking back public space, and showing what we're not going to be silenced, and we're not going to be intimidated.' Asked what she hoped would change, Faye said: 'I feel like it's not a one year change deal… movements move in generations, I think what we have to do now is accept the reality of the situation we're in and we have to work together with other groups, within the LGBT community and outside it, to really start forming strong coalitions in order to fight this stuff. 'I think where we're going in the UK, unfortunately this rightward turn is going to continue for some time. The people together are powerful.' She added: 'I think the reality is what some of these attacks are designed to do is exhaust us… we become very focused and frightened and then sometimes it's easier to retreat in and the reality is we need to do the opposite of that – we need to be willing to work with people who aren't necessarily like us'. Howard played Paris Lees in the BBC dramatisation of her memoir and, like Alexander and Faye, was supporting trans rights charity Not A Phase at the parade. He told PA that 'we're in an incredibly precarious political time' and said pride this year is 'more important than ever'. The actor added: 'I think it's so, so important that we show up as queers, as allies, and we celebrate. Joy is an act of resistance. 'I hope it shows queers of all ages that we stand with you, we are for you, and we love you'. He added: 'The recent Supreme Court ruling concerns me, the lack of proper tangible support from our Government concerns me, the lack of funding to amazing organisations like Not A Phase really, really concerns me. 'But honestly, I look around, I see stuff like this, I see what grassroots activism can do, and the power that that can have'. Sir Sadiq said: 'It was an honour and a privilege to again walk at the front of London's world-famous Pride parade as huge crowds of Londoners and visitors joined together for an incredible show of love, unity and solidarity with our LGBTQI+ communities. 'The fantastic parade and celebrations across central London have shown once again that our capital is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity. 'This year's event was also a defiant reminder that we must keep fighting for equality and take a stand against those seeking to roll back hard-won rights. 'Together, we sent a powerful message to the world that in London you are free to be whoever you want to be and love whoever you want to love, as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.' A YouGov poll released ahead of the event found 67% of people in the UK believe the country is inclusive to LGBTQ+ people, and 60% would not welcome a shift towards more negative attitudes. Simon Blake, chief executive of Stonewall, which commissioned the survey, said despite the findings 'we know many LGBTQ+ people do not feel this in their neighbourhoods and workplaces'. He added: 'In policy terms, the reality is different too. 'The UK has dropped sharply down the global leaderboard for LGBTQ+ rights.' This year the UK fell to its lowest-ever ranking for LGBTI human rights, an annual report found. This was because of the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent UK Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) guidance, said the ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map, which has run since 2009.
