Stephen on ITV: Release date, cast and what it’s about

ITV are bringing the tragic tale of murdered teen Stephen Lawrence to the small screen.

The 18-year-old was killed in a racially motivated attack whilst he was innocently waiting for a bus.

When is Stephen released on ITV?

Stephen will start on Monday August 30 at 9pm, and will run for three episodes.

The programme is a sequel to ITV’s previous drama The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, which focused on the tragic events in 1999.

This new show will pick on the story in 2006, thirteen years after the murder, at a critical point in the investigation.

Who is in the cast?

Sharlene Whyte is stepping into the role of Stephen’s grieving mother Doreen Lawrence, whilst Hugh Quarshie is returning to play the tragic teen once again.

DCI Clive Driscoll, who lead the investigation, is being depicted by BAFTA winner Steeve Coogan.

The real life detective thanked Coogan for taking on the role, adding that it was important to “keep Stephen’s story out there.”

Other stars include Jordan Myrie, Sian Brooke, Adil Ray and Richie Campbell.

What is it about?

The series is based on the true story of the murder of 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence, who was attacked whilst waiting for a bus in Eltham on 22 April 1993.

Shortly after, two initial suspects were arrested and not charged, so the case eventually turned cold.

The Lawrence family quickly gathered support for their slain son, however, as there was speculation that the police were not doing enough to solve the murder.

Some suggested the police were not interested in the cold case because of racial bias.

And in 1998, a government enquiry did conclude that the force was institutionally racist.

After new evidence came to light, two of the initial murder suspects were re-arrested and stood trial for the killing in 2011.

In January 2012, Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of the murder – but the Lawrence family had had a long wait for justice.