Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure is set to captivate audiences once again, this time stepping away from fictional police drama to explore real-life criminal investigations. In a compelling new venture, she joins forces with her real-life husband, historian and producer Jonny Owen, to front a chilling true crime documentary series for Sky History.
Britain's Murder Map: A Journey Through Historical Crimes
The five-part series, titled Britain's Murder Map, will premiere on Tuesday, 7 April at 9pm on Sky History and History Play. This project marks a significant departure for McClure, who is best known for her role as Detective Inspector Kate Fleming in the acclaimed BBC series Line of Duty. Together with Owen, she will embark on a nationwide journey to re-examine some of Britain's most notorious and transformative criminal cases.
Uncovering Crimes That Shaped a Nation
The documentary promises to delve deep into historical crimes that not only shocked the public at the time but also left lasting impacts on the country's legal and social frameworks. By consulting with a panel of experts, including police officers, victims' families, and notable figures such as Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, the couple aims to uncover why these cases continue to resonate decades or even centuries later.
Among the high-profile investigations featured in the series are unsolved murders, notorious miscarriages of justice, and landmark legal battles. The couple will explore a range of chilling cases, including the mysterious Glasgow serial killer known as 'Bible John' and the alleged cover-up surrounding that investigation. They will also travel back to the early 20th century to scrutinize the 1910 murder of Edwardian woman Cora Crippen by her husband, Dr. Crippen, examining how this domestic violence case became one of the most infamous in British criminal history.
From Grave Robbing to Serial Killers
In a particularly gruesome segment, the series will investigate the practice of grave robbing during the late 1800s, when corpses were illicitly supplied to medical schools for dissection. This dark chapter in history ultimately led to the capture of serial killers Burke and Hare, whose crimes have left an indelible mark on British folklore and legal history.
For viewers, this new series offers a unique opportunity to witness Vicky McClure channeling her investigative on-screen persona into genuine historical cases. It blends her acting prowess with Owen's historical expertise, creating a dynamic partnership that promises to deliver both entertainment and education.
A Personal and Professional Collaboration
This is not the first time McClure and Owen have collaborated professionally. They first met on the set of the 2012 film Svengali, where McClure portrayed Shell, the on-screen girlfriend of Owen's character, Dixie. Owen wrote and directed the production, sparking a connection that would eventually lead to marriage.
Since then, the couple has occasionally appeared on screen together, including in This Is England '90. They got engaged in 2017 and married in 2023, after delays caused by busy schedules and the Covid pandemic. Their personal chemistry and shared professional interests make them an ideal duo to host this insightful series into Britain's criminal past.
As Line of Duty fans eagerly await the return of the beloved series, Britain's Murder Map provides a timely and intriguing alternative, showcasing McClure's versatility and Owen's historical acumen in a format that is sure to appeal to true crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
