We may be living in the golden age of television, with standout dramas like Adolescence, Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Until I Kill You sparking widespread conversation. The latest to join the ranks is I Fought the Law, an upcoming ITV series starring Sheridan Smith as a grieving mother on a powerful quest for justice.
Here's everything you need to know about the next new drama that will get everyone talking.
What is I Fought the Law about?
Ann Ming's daughter, Julie, was murdered in 1989 when she was 22 years old, but the main suspect walked free after the jury failed to come to a verdict, and the case was ultimately acquitted.
Based on her book For the Love of Julie, the series follows Ann's (Sheridan Smith) 15-year battle of strength and determination as she tries to change the Double Jeopardy Law and finally put her child's killer behind bars after two mistrials.
AmazonThe book has been adapted for the screen by writer Jamie Crichton, who has worked on hit shows such as Grantchester and All Creatures Great and Small and Ann, who has been a consultant throughout the production, said:
“I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie.
I’m overwhelmed that Sheridan Smith will be playing me. Having such an iconic and talented actress portray me is truly wonderful.”
Who's in the I Fought the Law cast?
• Sheridan Smith as Ann Ming
• Daniel York Loh as Charlie Ming
• Olivia Ng as Angela Ming
• Enzo Cilenti as DS Mark Braithwaite
• Victoria Wyant as Julie Hogg
• Jake Davies as Andrew
• Aimée Kelly as Judith Morden
• Bryony Corrigan as WPC Elliot
• Marlowe Chan-Reeves
• Andrew Lancel
• Rufus Jones
• Kent Riley
• Jack James Ryan
Speaking of the drama, Sheridan told ITV: “I am so honoured to have been asked to play the role of Ann Ming, a mother so determined to fight for justice for her murdered daughter that she spent 15 years campaigning for the Double Jeopardy Law to be changed. She is a truly courageous and remarkable woman to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.”
Is I Fought the Law based on a true story?
Yes, sadly, I Fought the Law is based on a true story, which started when Julie Ming went missing n Billingham, County Durham, in November 1989 after her late-shift at a pizza parlour.
Her disappearance shocked her family, as the 22-year-old, who was a mother to a three-year-old boy, was close to her parents. Devastatingly, her mother, Ann Ming found her body in January 1990, concealed behind a bath panel in her terraced house, 80 days after she was murdered.
She was understandably angry with the police's efforts, as they had previously searched the property before but failed to locate her body. They did arrest William 'Billy' Dunlop and he went to trial, but two juries failed to reach a verdict and the case was acquitted.
When is I Fought the Law on ITV?
I Fought the Law doesn't have a release date yet, but it's expected to air in 2025. We'll keep this page updated!
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who is passionate about TV, film and theatre. She enjoys cooking, cinema trips, playing board games and walking her three dogs.