A sequel to BAFTA-winning drama The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is coming to ITV

ITV has announced a three-part sequel to the award-winning film The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is coming to the channel.ITV has announced a three-part sequel to the award-winning film The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is coming to the channel.

The series, titled Stephen, will portray events from 2006, 13 years after Stephen died in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in London on 22 April 1993. The drama tells the story of Stephen’s parents Doreen and Neville, and their struggle to achieve justice for their son. It will follow their campaign for justice which, more than 18 years after his death, lead to two men being convicted of Stephen's murder.Stephen’s mother, Baroness Doreen Lawrence said: "I am pleased that The Murder of Stephen Lawrence is being broadcast again.

Though the events portrayed in the film took place many years ago they are even more relevant today. I am aware that the experience of police racism that we suffered as a family has been the experience of many in the UK. I hope that the film and the drama which has been commissioned will provide some insight into what we went through and give some hope to others that justice can eventually prevail."

Stephen's father, Neville Lawrence said: "I welcome the announcement of this new TV series by ITV, made with members of the same team who wrote and produced the 1999 original drama. That first film was important in telling Stephen’s story. 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.

He added: "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."

Polly Hill, Head of Drama at ITV, commented: "It feels appropriate for us to return to the Stephen Lawrence case on ITV. The brilliant film, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, could only take the story so far, Stephen continues that story. It’s important to remember just how long it took Doreen and Neville to get a conviction for two of the men responsible for the death of their son Stephen."

The three-part series, which has not begun filming, is a follow-up to the 1999 BAFTA-winning The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The original drama will be repeated on ITV on Thursday 16 July with a live discussion programmed called Stephen Lawrence: Has Britain changed? airing before the re-broadcast.

Reference: Good Housekeeping: Ciara McGinley 11 hrs ago 13th July 2020