ITV has announced that it has commissioned a three-part drama series, Stephen, which acts as a sequel to the 1999 BAFTA-winning film, The Murder of Stephen Lawrence. The upcoming drama is set to portray events from 2006 onwards, 13 years after Stephen was stabbed to death in 1993 in a racially motivated attack in London, and focus on his parents' struggle in the aftermath of their son's death and their determination to seek justice.
The sequel will follow Stephen's parents Neville and Doreen's struggle and strive for justice
Stephen, which is yet to begin production, will also delve into the investigation carried out by Met detective DCI Clive Driscoll, who also worked closely with the Lawrence family, to ensure justice prevailed.
The new series, which comes more than twenty years after the original dramatization, has the backing and "full support" of the Lawrence family. Stephen's father, Neville, said: "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."
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Hugh Quarshie and Marianne Jean-Baptiste portray Neville and Doreeen in the 1999 film
ITV's announcement comes soon before the channel airs the 1999 film on Thursday evening. A live discussion programme entitled: Stephen Lawrence: Has Britain Changed? will air immediately before. Stephen's mother, Doreen, said: "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."
She added further: "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." Stephen was stabbed to death when he was 18 by a gang in Eltham, south-east London in 1993. More than 18 years after his death, two convictions were carried out. Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of murder in 2012.
The Murder of Stephen Lawrence airs on ITV on Thursday, 9pm.
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