A family and city haunted by grief
MONDAY nights just got a little grittier with true crime drama Little Boy Blue replacing Broadchurch in ITV’S prime time schedule.
It tells the harrowing story of the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones who died after being caught in the crossfire during a gangland shoot-out in Croxteth, Liverpool in 2007.
The four-part series follows the devastating impact of the tragedy on a city caught up in gang violence, and the battle by police to gather enough evidence to bring those responsible to justice.
It’s powerful stuff – so much so its star Brian F. O’byrne (best known for his role in Happy Valley) broke down after a preview of the first episode.
A visibly shaken O’byrne told the preview audience: “It’s almost difficult to talk about this – as an actor. It feels stupid to even talk about it. I hadn’t seen it, I just saw it.
“The one thing on the set was... there was an incredible amount of respect in doing it, and everyone was there to shoot the series for the three people [Rhys and his parents Steve and Melanie].
“They were in the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
Brian plays Rhys’s dad Steve with Sinead Keenan in the role of mum Melanie. Both supported the factual drama and visited the set several times during filming.
One emotional scene, which airs tomorrow night, recreated the minute’s applause held for Rhys at Goodison Park just days after his murder. During filming 39,000 Everton fans, including Rhys’s brother Owen and dad Steve, took part. Steve also attended some of the legal scenes – filmed in the same court at Liverpool Crown Court used for the real trial – and praised the young actors playing those in the dock. Director Paul Whittington said: “It was very shocking. Even when our actors were playing those scenes there was something very disturbing about it.
“Steve Jones was there on one of the days and said, ‘Yes, that’s what the experience was like’.”
Stephen Graham – best known for This is England and Boardwalk Empire – plays Detective Superintendant Dave Kelly, who led the Merseyside Police investigation.
He revealed: “It’s exceptionally emotional… such a strong, powerful series, and it’s an absolute honour and a privilege to be part of it.
“The script was magnificent, once we got over the fact it was a true event, as that resonates deep within you. It was your duty to play it to the best of your ability.”
Little Boy Blue begins on ITV on Monday at 9pm.