The Sixth Commandment on BBC First – The Sixth Commandment, a brand new four-part true crime drama is set to premiere on BBC First on Thursdays at 8.30pm from August 24.
This series explores The Maids Moreton Murders, a case that gripped the UK in 2015. It shows the unfortunate deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in the village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire and the extraordinary events that unfolded over the following years. It is a study of faith, loneliness and the endless vulnerability of humanity, especially that of the good and innocent. The series stars Timothy Spall (Mr Turner, Spencer), Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax, Sanditon, Dinner Ladies), Éanna Hardwicke (Lakelands, Normal People) and Annabel Scholey (The Split, The Salisbury Poisonings) and will be available on On Demand and also on Binge.
This series, written by Sarah Phelps (A Very British Scandal, The Pale Horse) and directed by Saul Dibb (The Salisbury Poisonings), inspired by the critically acclaimed and BAFTA nominated documentary Catching A Killer: A Diary From The Grave, tells the story of how the meeting of an inspirational teacher, Peter Farquhar (Spall), and a charismatic young student, Ben Field (Hardwicke), 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 (Reid), 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.
Derek Wax, Executive Producer for Wild Mercury Productions, says: “This is a compelling and complex story, intimate, chilling and so poignant. Sarah’s scripts have really got inside its emotional heart, and with extraordinary nuance and passion. Saul Dibb as director, has illuminated these characters’ stories with such insight, detail and authenticity.”
Brian Woods, Executive Producer for True Vision Productions, says: “Drama has the ability to explore the emotional truth beneath the headlines. From the outset, we have been working with the families of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin and we hope that The Sixth Commandment will illuminate their experiences and most of all, honour the lives of Peter and Ann.”
Written by Sarah Phelps and produced by Wild Mercury Productions and True Vision Productions, the distinguished cast includes Timothy Spall (Mr Turner, Spencer), Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax, Sanditon, Dinner Ladies), Éanna Hardwicke (Lakelands, Normal People), Annabel Scholey (The Split, The Salisbury Poisonings), Sheila Hancock (Unforgotten, A Discovery of Witches, Great Canal Journeys), Ben Bailey Smith (The Split, Andor), Conor MacNeill (Industry), Adrian Rawlins (Baptiste, Chernobyl) and Amanda Root (Summerland, Unforgotten).
The Sixth Commandment has been made in full cooperation with Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin’s families.
The Sixth Commandment will premiere on BBC First on Thursdays at 8.30pm from August 24 and will be available to stream On Demand and through Binge at a later date. All our channel content is available on Foxtel and Fetch.
Media Release – BBC First
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