Renowned UK screenwriter Jed Mercurio is reportedly in the process of creating a new drama centered around the story of one of the country’s most infamous child serial killers. Former hospital doctor turned successful screenwriter, Mercurio has been behind hit shows like Bodyguard and Line of Duty. Now, he is delving into the chilling and shocking tale of Nurse Lucy Letby, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six others – all while they were under her care as a neonatal hospital nurse.
According to sources from The Sun newspaper, the upcoming drama has already sparked speculation about potential lead roles. Actresses Sophie Turner, known for her role in Game of Thrones, and Jodie Comer, famous for Killing Eve, are rumored to be among the contenders for the starring role. The Sun quotes an industry insider who highlights the importance of not only dramatizing the events but also delving into the complexities of the case.
The series aims to explore the factors that allowed Letby’s crimes to go undetected for an extended period. It also aims to shed light on how suspicions were raised and the actions taken by individuals like hospital pediatrician Dr. Jayaram, who blew the whistle on the heinous crimes. The insider suggests that casting a high-profile name like Letby would not only bring attention to the show but also emphasize the gravity of the role.
Letby’s crimes unfolded between June 2015 and June 2016, during her time at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit. The alarm was raised following a disturbing number of infant deaths under Letby’s care soon after she started working in the hospital’s intensive care unit. In November 2020, Letby was arrested and charged with a total of eight counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, leading to her life sentence.
As Jed Mercurio embarks on another intense and gripping drama, audiences can expect a deep dive into the dark and troubling reality of this notorious child serial killer case. The series promises to unravel the complexities surrounding the shocking events that transpired under the guise of a trusted nurse, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.