Sophie’s murder told in new BBC drama
ANEW TV drama will be screened this month charting the story of the murder of Valley student Sophie Lancaster.
It tells the story of the brutal hate crime that shocked the country in August 2007, when 20-year-old Sophie, from Haslingden, was kicked to death in Stubbylee Park, Bacup by a gang of kids she didn’t know.
Her boyfriend Robert Maltby was severely beaten into a coma after the two of them were randomly attacked because they were dressed as Goths.
The BBC drama – Murdered For Being Different – was made in collaboration with Rob, his and Sophie’s family, and the police.
Alison Kirkham, BBC factual controller, said: “This factual drama is the true story of a young relationship and of the violence and chaos that destroyed their lives, for simply being different.
“In the aftermath of the attack, ‘Murdered For Being Different’ also follows the story of one teenage witness who struggles with the need to speak out.
“Made on the 10th anni- versary of Sophie’s death, this film is both a love story and a forensic examination of the causes and consequences of a brutal attack. It will be the centrepiece programme in a BBC Three season exploring identity.”
Ms Kirkham also referred to the film in a wide-ranging speech on June 1 about BBC factual programming.
She said: “Murdered For Being Different is a factual drama for BBC Three from the team behind the Bafta Award winning Murdered By My Father.
“It unflinchingly asks really tough questions about the prejudice that is dividing our young communities and the violence that can erupt out of alienation and a sense of difference.”
Murdered For Being Different will star Abigail Lawrie (Casual Vacancy), Nico Mirallegro (Common, Mad Fat Diary, Hollyoaks), Chanel Cresswell (This is England), Sally Lindsay (Coronation Street, Mount Pleasant), Reiss Jarvis, and Sophie McShera (Downtown Abbey, Cinderella).
The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, headed by Sophie’s mum Sylvia, campaigns for the creation of respect for and understanding of subcultures in our communities. The exact date for the screening has not yet been confirmed
‘It will be a centrepiece programme’