Groundbreaking drama The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence to get three-part sequel

Groundbreaking drama The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence to get three-part sequel telling the ongoing story of murdered teen’s parents and the conviction of two of his killers

ITV has green-lit a three-part sequel series to groundbreaking drama The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence.

Entitled Stephen, the series has been endorsed by the murdered teen’s parents Doreen and Neville Lawrence, played in the 1999 original by Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Hugh Quarshie respectively.

The drama will portray events starting from 2006, 13 years after 18-year-old Stephen’s death on the evening of 22 April 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham.

Sequel: ITV has green-lit a three-part sequel series to groundbreaking drama The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence [pictured are Hugh Quarshie as Neville Lawrence and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Doreen Lawrence in the 1999 drama]

The show tells the story of his parents’ ongoing struggle to achieve justice for their sons’ death.

It also follows the plights of the detective – DCI Clive Driscoll – who worked closely with the Lawrences to put together an investigation that finally – more than 18 years after his death – secured the convictions of two of the gang who committed the murder of Stephen.

Even though the Lawrences knew the identity of their son’s killers, the original investigation failed to convict those responsible.

Their extraordinary campaign for justice led to a public inquiry which branded Metropolitan Police institutionally racist and brought about sweeping changes in the law and police practices and transformed thinking and understanding of racial inequality in the UK.

Continuation: The drama will portray events starting from 2006, 13 years after 18-year-old Stephen’s death on the evening of 22 April 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham [Stephen is pictured]

Continuation: The drama will portray events starting from 2006, 13 years after 18-year-old Stephen’s death on the evening of 22 April 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall Road, Eltham [Stephen is pictured]

Paul Greengrass, award winning screenwriter and director, who wrote and directed The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence in 1999, will also serve as an Executive Producer, as will Line Of Duty’s Jed Mercurio.

Stephen’s mother commented of the commission: ‘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.’

His father added: ‘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. 

Stephen's mother commented of the commission: 'I am aware that the experience of police racism that we suffered as a family has been the experience of many in the UK'

Stephen’s mother commented of the commission: ‘I am aware that the experience of police racism that we suffered as a family has been the experience of many in the UK’

‘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.

‘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.’

The best in TV: Line Of Duty's Jed Mercurio will serve as an Executive Producer

The best in TV: Line Of Duty’s Jed Mercurio will serve as an Executive Producer

The original drama won a BAFTA and is being repeated on ITV on Thursday, followed by a live discussion programme entitled, Stephen Lawrence: Has Britain Changed?

Doreen added: ‘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.’