True crime fans will already be eagerly anticipating new BBC One series The Barking Murders, and you can now have a first look at Stephen Merchant as convicted murder Stephen John Port, better known as 'The Grindr Killer'.
In a departure from his usual comedic roles, Stephen will portray the serial killer, who killed four men, Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor, in a series of brutal murders.
The three-part miniseries will focus on the crimes committed by Port from the perspectives of the families of the victims.
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According to the BBC, the "factual drama will go beneath the headlines to shed new light on this story by telling it from the point of view of the families of Stephen Port's victims, focusing on their fight to uncover the truth about what had happened to their lost sons and brothers in the face of a now widely criticised police investigation."
Sheridan Smith will play Sarah Sak, the mother of one of Port's victims, Anthony Walgate, and other cast members including Jaime Winstone, Rufus Jones and Stephanie Hyam.
The true crime series is headed up by Jeff Pope and Neil McKay, the award-winning team behind The Moorside, the 2008 TV drama focusing on the disappearance of Shannon Matthews and Appropriate Adult, the TV film exploring the relationship between serial killer Fred West and trainee social worker Janet Leach.
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Stephen Merchant called it a "privilege" to play the role, saying: "This is a story that can't be ignored - how four young lives were lost and their families' brave attempt to uncover what happened.
"This factual drama will shed light on their story, so it's a privilege to be a part of telling it with the brilliant combination of Jeff Pope, Neil McKay and the BBC."
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The series is still being filmed, and is expected to air later in 2019.
Featured Image Credit: BBC OneTopics: TV News
