THE BBC are known for their top drama’s and The Sixth Commandment is no different.
Due to the nature of this gripping four-part series, some viewers may wonder if it is based on a true story.
The sixth Commandment tells a story of murder and deceit
Is The Sixth Commandment a true story?
Sadly The Sixth Commandment is based on real events which resulted in murder.
Author Peter Farquhar, 69, was killed by Benjamin Field, 28, in 2015 after he manipulated the older man for financial gain and tried to make his death look like an accident or suicide.
Peter was duped into a fake relationship with Benjamin, who hoped the pensioner would change his will.
Benjamin also targeted Mr Farquhar’s neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, 83, and was accused of plotting to kill her, but was found not guilty in court.
Speaking about the true story behind the series, the BBC said: “It tells the story of how the meeting of an inspirational teacher, Peter Farquhar, and a charismatic young student, Ben Field, who bonded over their love of books and involvement with the Church of England, set the stage for one of the most complex and confounding criminal cases in recent memory.
“It also focuses on how suspicions around Ben’s relationship with Peter’s deeply religious neighbour Ann Moore-Martin, also targeted by Field, unlocked a series of stunning revelations, culminating in a headline-grabbing trial.
“The Sixth Commandment captures the initial seductions, the extreme gaslighting, the gripping police investigation and Peter’s killer finally being brought to justice four years after his untimely death.
“While poignantly highlighting the damaging effect of isolation and loneliness, it also celebrates both Peter and Ann’s lives as cherished mentors, much loved relatives and adored friends.”
Is The Sixth Commandment based on a book?
The Sixth Commandment isn’t based on a book, but was written as an original drama by acclaimed screenwriter Sarah Phelps.
Speaking to the BBC about the series, she said: This is such a shocking and brutal case; how a murderer hid his manipulation and malevolence in plain sight of a small community, how he insinuated his way into the lives of his victims.
“It’s a heartbreaking story of such desperate longing and loneliness but even within the darkness, there is the most astonishing blazing love and courage.”
Who is in the cast of The Sixth Commandment?
The Sixth Commandment brings with it an incredible cast of high profile actors.
The star line-up includes:
- Timothy Spall as Peter Farquhar
- Anne Reid as Ann Moore-Martin
- Dame Sheila Hancock as Elizabeth Zettl
- Annabel Scholey as Ann-Marie Blake
- Eanna Hardwicke as Ben Field
- Conor MacNeill as Martyn Smith
- Adrian Rawlins as Ian Farquhar
- Amanda Root as Sue Farquhar
How can I watch The Sixth Commandment TV?
The Sixth Commandment begins on BBC One at 9pm tonight (July 16, 2023) and continues tomorrow (July 18, 2023) at the same time.
The final two episodes will air on the same days and time the following week.
Episodes will also air on the BBC iPlayer.
