Steve Coogan to star in ITV's new Stephen Lawrence drama

Playing the lead detective who finally nailed his killers

Steve Coogan is to play a detective in a new ITV drama about the murder of Stephen Lawrence.

The comedian and actor will appear as DCI Clive Driscoll, who led the search that resulted in two people being convicted of the teenager's murder, 18 years on.

The three-part drama, called Stephen, is as a sequel to its 1999 programme, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence.

At the time of the original series, no one had been brought to justice for the racially motivated attack on the teenager on the evening of April 22, 1993, as he was waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham. 

The new film is set in 2006, and shows his family’s ‘ongoing struggle’ for justice. 

Even though his parents  Doreen and Neville Lawrence knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation had failed to convict those responsible, and their extraordinary campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist. 

Gary Dobson and David Norris were jailed for the murder at a subsequent trial.

Alrick Riley who will direct the drama, said: ‘The case of Stephen Lawrence is a testament to the fortitude, persistence and determination of the Lawrence family. 

‘These films will chart the successes, disappointments and the emotional toll they endured. It’s also the story of Clive Driscoll, the lead detective, who managed to forge a friendship with the Lawrences over the years it took to achieve two convictions.  It’s an honour to have the opportunity to tell their story.’

Sharlene Whyte takes the role of Doreen with Hugh Quarshie  reprising his performance of Neville  from the original award-winning drama.   Richie Campbell, Jordan Myrie, Sian Brooke and Citizen Khan creator Adil Ray will also take roles

Published: 10 Feb 2021

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