Steve Coogan runs his lines between scenes after resuming filming for a new ITV crime drama about the murder of Stephen Lawrence
Steve Coogan was spotted practising his lines as he returned to filming for a new ITV crime drama about the murder of Stephen Lawrence.
The actor, 55, who is set to play DCI Clive Driscoll, who was heavily involved in the investigation, was spotted filming scenes for the series in Northolt on Wednesday.
In the scenes Steve’s character could be seen gazing down at flowers that had been laid as a tribute to teen Stephen, who was murdered nearly 28 years ago.
Back to work: Steve Coogan was seen back on set as filming continued for a new ITV crime drama about the murder of Stephen Lawrence on Wednesday
Steve sported a sombre grey suit as he filmed the scenes on a street in north west London, before heading to a bench to practice his lines.
He plays DCI Driscoll, the detective who put together an investigation that secured the convictions of two members of the gang who committed the murder of 18-year-old Stephen on the evening of 22 April 1993.
The Alan Partridge star joins Hugh Quarshie and Sharlene Whyte in the programme titled Stephen.
Preparations: The actor, who is set to play a detective heavily involved in the investigation, was spotted running his lines for the series on the set in Northolt
Moving: In the scenes Steve’s character could be seen gazing down at flowers that had been laid as a tribute to teen Stephen, who was murdered on 22 April 1993
Portrayal: The screen star is playing the role of DCI Clive Driscoll (pictured) – who secured the convictions of two members of the gang who committed the murder in 1993
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 respectively.
While Hugh, 66, will reprise his role as Neville, We Hunt Together star Sharlene will take on the role of Doreen in the new drama.
Richie Campbell, Jordan Myrie, Sian Brooke and Adil Ray will also take roles in the production.
Duo: Steve was seen recording the sombre scenes with one of his co-stars after ITV commissioned the sequel to their acclaimed 1999 drama on Lawrence’s murder
Executive producer Mark Redhead said: ‘It’s a privilege to be working with Doreen and Neville Lawrence to tell this chapter of the story of their campaign for justice for Stephen. It’s a story that moves and inspires and is ever more resonant and relevant today.’
Even though the Lawrence family 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: This new drama will portray events starting from 2006, 13 years after the racially motivated attack which took place as Stephen (pictured) waited for a bus in Eltham
Yet six years on from the Inquiry no progress had been made into the case.
Producer Madonna Baptiste said: ‘The Lawrences’ campaign for justice totally transformed attitudes to race and equality in the UK and it’s an honour to be able to help tell what is an untold chapter in their story.
‘Current events only highlight how relevant and important Stephen’s case remains and it is such a privilege to work with Hattrick, Frank and Joe Cottrell-Boyce, Alrick Riley and our amazing cast to bring this important story to screen.’
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.
Sequel: The Murder Of Stephen Lawrence won a BAFTA for Best Single Drama (Hugh Quarshie as Neville Lawrence and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Doreen Lawrence in the 1999 drama)