Renowned British actress Katherine Kelly has candidly discussed the profound emotional journey she undertook while filming ITV's harrowing new drama 'The Long Shadow'. The series delves into the chilling true story of Peter Sutcliffe, the notorious Yorkshire Ripper who terrorised Northern England during the 1970s.
Emotional Rollercoaster for the Role
Kelly, known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Happy Valley, revealed she had to visit "some very dark places" to authentically portray Dorothy Rytka, sister of one of Sutcliffe's victims. "As a mother myself, I found those scenes particularly harrowing," Kelly confessed. "There were moments when I had to step away and just breathe."
Authenticity Above All
The production team worked closely with victims' families and surviving relatives to ensure respectful yet truthful storytelling. "We didn't want to sensationalise," Kelly emphasised. "This is about honouring the victims and showing the real impact these crimes had on families and communities."
Powerful Ensemble Cast
The series boasts an impressive lineup including Toby Jones and Daniel Mays, portraying the detectives who finally brought Sutcliffe to justice after one of Britain's most protracted manhunts. Kelly praised her co-stars: "When you're dealing with material this heavy, you need actors who can hold that emotional weight."
Critical Acclaim Expected
Early screenings have generated significant buzz, with critics predicting 'The Long Shadow' will follow in the footsteps of ITV's other successful true-crime dramas like Des and The Pembrokeshire Murders. The seven-part series promises to offer fresh perspectives on the case that gripped the nation.
Kelly concluded: "This isn't just another crime drama. It's a human story about resilience, about how ordinary people cope with extraordinary tragedy."
