The BBC Is working on a drama about “the Grindr Killer’s” crimes.
In 2016, Stephen Port was sentenced to life in prison after he murdered four gay men he met through dating apps. Port killed Anthony Walgate, Jack Taylor, Daniel Whitworth, and Gabriel Kovari between 2014 and 2015. He was also convicted of 22 charges against 11 other men.
The former chef would meet his victims and then use lethal amounts of the date-rape drug GHB on them. Port then rapped his victims before hiding them in spots near his home in the Barking neighborhood of London.
Now, the BBC announces that it will be making a drama about Stephen Port and his crimes.
According to the Guardian, The Barking Murders will star Stephen Merchant as Port.
Said Merchant on the project:
“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.”
Merchant will also be joined by Sheridan Smith, who will play Sarah Sak (the mother of Anthony Walgate). Jaime Winstone will also star as Donna Taylor (sister of Jack Taylor).
According to UK source iNews, Sheridan Smith says that she’s also excited for the drama.
“I love playing real-life characters – especially an inspirational woman like Sarah Sak – but with it comes responsibility.”
“Along with the other families, Sarah went through so much heartache and it would have been easy for her to just accept what she was being told by the police, but something inside made her keep fighting for her son,” she added.
The screenplay will be written by Neil McKay who also spoke on the piece.
“Four young men with their entire future ahead of them lost their lives in a brutal and tragic way. This is a story not only of the consequences of that loss but also of the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by those who loved them as they sought truth and justice. It is a privilege to be able to tell it,” said McKay.
While there is no release date for The Barking Murders yet, filming is set to begin this spring.
h/t: The Guardian, iNews
