Mainstreet examines Ripper victims

Twofour-backed UK prodco Mainstreet Pictures is teaming up with Vanity Fair writer Gwyneth Hughes on a drama series focusing on Jack the Ripper’s victims.

The Five is based on Hallie Rubenhold’s forthcoming book about five women murdered by the notorious unidentified serial killer in Victorian London.

Mainstreet has optioned the book prior to its publication, with Hughes (Doing Money, Dark Angel, Five Days) set to develop the idea for TV.

Rubenhold (author of The Scandalous Lady W) aims to set the record straight about the lives of the victims, revealing a world of poverty, homelessness and rampant misogyny. The book refutes the media narrative that the Ripper preyed on prostitutes.

Rubenhold said: “For years, the stories of the victims of the Ripper have been obscured by our society’s obsession with the killer. The Five turns this 130-year-old narrative on its head and focuses on the unique and surprising lives of the women.

“Virtually everything we have come to believe about these mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and lovers is incorrect. Their moving and dramatic stories are ideal for television.”