‘Stephen’ preview: First look at ITV’s ‘The Murder of Stephen Lawrence’ follow-up

ITV has released the first images from their upcoming Stephen Lawrence drama.

Groundbreaking TV movie The Murder of Stephen Lawrence originally aired in 1999, and a brand new follow-up was announced last summer.

The three-part mini-series, titled Stephen, is executive produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio and The Bourne Ultimatum director Paul Greengrass.

It’ll portray events from 2006, thirteen years after Stephen Lawrence’s death on the evening of 22 April 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in southeast London.

Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) is reprising his role as Neville Lawrence, while Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) takes over the role of Doreen Lawrence.

They’re joined by BAFTA award winning actor Steve Coogan (Stan & Ollie, Philomena) as DCI Clive Driscoll.

The cast also includes Richie Campbell (The Frankenstein Chronicles), Jordan Myrie (Dancing in the Dark), Sian Brooke (Sherlock), and Adil Ray (Citizen Khan).

The official synopsis reads: “Even though Doreen and Neville Lawrence knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation had failed to convict those responsible, and their extraordinary campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and brought about sweeping changes in the law and police practices and transformed thinking and understanding of racial inequality in the UK.

“Yet six years on from the Inquiry no progress had been made into the case.

“The drama tells the story of the ongoing struggle by Doreen and Neville Lawrence to achieve justice and how a detective, DCI Clive Driscoll – working closely with the Lawrences – puts together an investigation that finally – more than 18 years after his death – secures the convictions of two of the gang who committed the murder of Stephen.”

Made with the full support of the Lawrence family, the series is written by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Millions) and Joe Cottrell Boyce (Treasure).

Stephen’s father Neville Lawrence commented last year: “It is important that the next part of the story is told, particularly at a time when, thanks to the Black Lives Matter campaign, concerns around institutional racism are so prominent.

“The recent BLM protests have served to remind people that black men and women continue to be subjected to racially motivated attacks. It was true when Stephen was killed and it still happens.

“It has always been my view that the most powerful response to racism is non-violent resistance and I am heartened to see people from all backgrounds who have come together peacefully across the country to show they will not tolerate racist attitudes. I hope this new film will further help raise awareness.”

Stephen will premiere this summer on ITV in the UK.