ITV has revealed that its upcoming true crime drama, Believe Me, was developed over a period of years in close partnership with the real-life victims of the notorious "black cab rapist" John Worboys. Among those who contributed extensively to the project is Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was targeted by Worboys in 2007 when she was just 19 years old.
Carrie Johnson's Involvement in the ITV Drama
Carrie Johnson, formerly Carrie Symonds, played a pivotal role in both the criminal case against Worboys and the creation of the ITV series. She was one of the key victims who testified in court and later campaigned vigorously against Worboys' potential release from prison. In a significant move to support this cause, Carrie waived her legal right to anonymity, allowing her story to be shared publicly.
Jeff Pope, the creator of Believe Me, emphasized the depth of collaboration required for the drama. He spent considerable time with Carrie and the other victims to ensure their experiences were portrayed accurately and sensitively. Pope noted that building trust and articulating the purpose of the drama was a lengthy process, taking years rather than months or weeks.
The Horrific True Story Behind Believe Me
Believe Me is a four-part limited series that dramatizes the relentless efforts of Worboys' victims to secure justice. John Worboys, portrayed by actor Daniel Mays, preyed on women by spiking their drinks with sedatives during taxi rides home after nights out. Carrie Johnson recounted her own harrowing experience, where she passed out and had no memory of the journey home, later reporting the incident to authorities.
The series focuses on three of Worboys' victims, including Carrie, highlighting their collective struggle against systemic failures in the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and parole board. Carrie's statement to ITV underscores the drama's aim to serve as a wake-up call for these institutions, advocating for cultural change to better protect women and girls.
Carrie Johnson's Advocacy and Public Statements
Carrie Johnson has been vocal about the need for reform in how sexual assault cases are handled. In 2018, she shared a first-person account with The Sunday Times, expressing the lingering uncertainty about what happened after she was drugged. Her advocacy extended to her role as head of communications at the Conservative Party, where she leveraged her position to campaign against Worboys' release.
In her statement regarding Believe Me, Carrie stressed the importance of treating victims with respect and ensuring justice is pursued diligently. She highlighted the shameful treatment of victims in this case and called for a profound shift in institutional culture to support those who come forward.
Production Insights and Release Details
Jeff Pope's research for Believe Me involved in-depth conversations with all three key women featured in the story. He described Carrie as extremely forthcoming and open during their meetings at her home. The drama aims to move beyond mere entertainment, focusing instead on raising awareness and prompting meaningful change.
Believe Me will be available to watch on ITVX, offering viewers a compelling look at a true story of resilience and justice. The series not only recounts the crimes of John Worboys but also celebrates the courage of the victims who fought tirelessly to ensure he faced consequences for his actions.
