The Yorkshire Ripper’s brother has spoken out against a new ITV drama about the notorious murderer.
Airing on ITV, The Long Shadow depicts the intense police investigation which brought Peter Sutcliffe to justice for his horrific crimes.
However, his brother has since slammed the new drama for awakening painful memories from the past.
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According to a synopsis, The Long Shadow will portray the five-year-long investigation to find Sutcliffe, also known as 'The Yorkshire Ripper'.
The seven-part series has an all-star cast with Toby Jones playing DCS Dennis Hoban, as well as David Morrissey, Katherine Kelly and Daniel Mays.
It will also ‘sensitively focus’ on the victims’ families and survivors of the vicious serial killer, who claimed the lives of 13 women and injured seven more.
Despite this, Sutcliffe’s brother Carl has major concerns about the series and its effect on those involved in the case.
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He told MailOnline: "It has been a thorn in my side, unless you have a notorious criminal in your family, you cannot understand what it is like."
Comparing the experience to reopening a ‘terrible old wound’, Carl questioned whether the series was necessary.
Continuing, he told the outlet: "What is to be gained from this? I feel so sorry for the victims' families that they have to endure the retelling of losing their loved one.
"For the sake of the victims and their families - and my family - it needs to be left now."
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ITV, however, stated claim that they contacted 'many of those affected' during the development of the crime drama.
According to the background for The Long Shadow, the network said that 'authenticity and accuracy is only possible because we are able to speak to a number of survivors, family members as well as many ex-police officers who were involved in the case.'
The broadcaster added that those involved had also been offered the chance to view the finished series, saying that 'much as possible every choice made has been part of what they have shared, spoken about or given their blessing to'.
Taking to social media, viewers have also praised how the series handles real-life crimes as well as the cast’s powerful performances.
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One X user wrote: “…if you haven't started watching The Long Shadow on ITV, I absolutely urge you to get on it. It's just exceptional drama - a very hard subject to get right, done right.”
Another added: “Currently watching Katherine [Kelly] in The Long Shadow which is a horrific drama because of it’s a true story but good to see focusing on the victims as opposed to glamorising the killer.”
The Long Shadow will continue to air weekly until early November.
Topics: TV and Film, True Crime, Crime, UK News
Katherine Sidnell