Clunes in Milly killer drama storm
Clunes defends show ..but choice of words sparks more outrage
MARTIN Clunes sparked a row after defending his new ITV drama about Milly Dowler murderer Levi Bellfield by declaring: “It’s not violence porn.”
MARTIN Clunes has defended ITV’s upcoming series Manhunt after critics accused makers of turning family tragedy into entertainment.
But the Doc Martin star sparked further fury with the choice of words he used to describe the drama about serial killer Levi Bellfield.
Asked about the show, Clunes replied: “It’s not violence porn in any way. There’s no blood. It’s about dogged police work.”
He also said: “There’s a duty to tell the story well and responsibly.”
Clunes plays DCI Colin Sutton, the officer who investigated the murder of Bellfield victim Amelie Delagrange, 22, in 2004.
The vile thug also killed Milly Dowler, 13, and Marsha McDonnell, 19.
Mental health charity Mind coach and TV presenter Anna Williamson blasted Clunes over his description of the series. She said: “Using the term ‘violence porn’ isn’t the best choice of words to give this very sensitive subject the respect it deserves.
“Martin Clunes’ comments could be seen as being crass and insensitive.”
Grief charity Cruse Bereavement Care boss Andy Langford added: “This new series will unquestionably trigger some very difficult emotions for the families, friends and communities that were affected by these murders. We need to remember the people affected by these tragic deaths are still grieving.”
Barry and Margaret Mizen, whose son Jimmy was murdered 10 years ago aged 16 in Lee, South East London, were recently asked to take part in a drama about his death but refused as they did not want an actor portraying their boy.
Barry said: “I felt sick at the thought of someone playing my son, lying there after he was murdered. So having someone play your child will be awful for the parents.” Welsh actor Celyn Jones, 39, plays Bellfield in Manhunt, which follows last year’s ITV Rhys Jones murder drama Little Boy Blue and the BBC’s Rochdale grooming scandal series Three Girls. A spokesman for ITV and Clunes insisted it “shows no violence”. He added: “It focuses on the police work. As with all projects of this nature we are conscious of the feelings of the relatives of the victims and survivors of Bellfield’s crimes, which is why we contacted them and offered to tell them about our plans at an early stage.” Bellfield, 50, of Isleworth, West London, was jailed for life in 2008 for battering French student Amelie and Marsha to death. In prison he was convicted of Milly’s 2002 killing. A judge recommended he never be released.