Murder In The Outback: The Falconio And Lees Mystery

Channel 4, 9.15pm, Monday-Wednesday, 9pm

The copious coverage of the disappearance and presumed murder of Peter Falconio in 2001 might make you wonder how much new there is to say. But the story of the British backpacker who vanished while travelling in Australia with his girlfriend Joanne Lees (inset with Falconio) continues to exert a unique fascination, and not just because his body has never been found.

Now this four-part series featuring interviews with witnesses, police detectives and reporters sheds fresh light on the complex investigation, which resulted in the 2005 trial and sentencing of Bradley John Murdoch (right) for Falconio’s murder.

In part one, lawyer Andrew Fraser explains why his doubts over Murdoch’s conviction have led him to take up his appeal case, and there is an extraordinary possible new line of inquiry. ★★★★★