ITV commissions drama based on Ann Ming memoir For the Love of Julie

ITV by head of drama Polly Hill

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a drama series based on Ann Ming’s memoir For the Love of Julie.

Produced by Hera Pictures, the adaptation, written by Jamie Crichton (All Creatures Great and Small, The Last Kingdom, Grantchester) and starring Sheridan Smith, will be called I Fought the Law.

The series recounts how British mother Ming battled for 15 years to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law, so that her daughter’s murder in 1989 could finally face justice, having been controversially acquitted following two mistrials.

Ming, played by Smith in the adaptation, will act as a consultant throughout the production process.

Hera Pictures’ founder Liza Marshall will exec produce with Charlotte Webber. All3Media International is also on board as international distributor. Filming is due to commence in August in Teesside and surrounding areas, in collaboration with North East Screen via the North East Production Fund.

The four-part series has been commissioned for ITV by head of drama Polly Hill and senior drama commissioner Helen Ziegler, who will oversee production on behalf of the channel. I Fought The Law will air on ITV1 and ITVX.