The new ITV drama series about the Hillsborough disaster has been dubbed a 'difficult but important' watch.
Anne focuses on campaigner Anne Williams who dedicated her life to getting justice for the victims after he own son Kevin was one of the 97 football fans killed. You can watch the trailer here:
The first episode aired last night (2 January 2022) and the next three episodes will play every night following. Alternatively, viewers can watch the entire show on ITV's Hub now.
Taking to social media as the series began, one person wrote: "#Anne - brutally brilliant. In our bubble it’s a tough retelling of a story we all know so well. Elsewhere, hopefully a distressing human tale of a mother losing her son in such a needless manner and having her grief compounded by conspiracy and cover up opens some extra eyes."
Another added: "#Anne Don't know where to start, moving yes, emotional yes, a tough watch definitely, and oh so brilliantly acted by a terrific cast and I don't mind saying more than a few tears were shed."
Someone else who spoke specifically about Anne Williams, said: "#Anne is a shining example of the best of us. Her courage in adversity is as relevant now as it's ever been & her story which after years in the making begins on ITV tonight is one of hope, defiance & inspiration & why those lucky to have known her treasure her memory always."
Another commented: "Knowing how inspirational and relentless Anne Williams was in her fight for truth and justice for her Son Kevin I was hesitant to watch the TV drama based around the Hillsborough disaster. It is heart breaking and infuriating but necessary for the world to see!"
The award-winning Maxine Peake can be seen portraying the role of Anne Williams throughout the series while Outlander actor Stephen Walters will portray Anne’s husband Steve Williams.
An official ITV synopsis of the series reads: "Refusing to accept the coroner’s original verdict of accidental death, Anne was determined to unearth the truth about what happened at Hillsborough."
Anne Williams sought new medical opinions, found witnesses who had tried to revive her son on the pitch, and lobbied ministers for new inquests.
She fought for over 20 years to prove that the victims of the Hillsborough disaster had been unlawfully killed at the match, before she sadly died of cancer in 2013.
Despite her passing, she did see the day the original inquest was quashed in December 2012. Speaking from her wheelchair outside court, she said: "This is what I fought for. I was never going to give up."
Featured Image Credit: ITVTopics: TV and Film, Football, ITV
Rebecca Shepherd