Channel 5 announces cast for new Maxine Carr and Ian Huntley drama

Edge and Britton both play journalists – Press Associate reporter Brian Farmer and tabloid journalist Jane Kerrigan respectively – while O'Toole's role has not yet been disclosed.

According to Channel 5, the drama will explore Carr's tumultuous relationship with Huntley, who was later imprisoned for the double murder of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

It will cover, "Why she lied for him and how she became public enemy No.1, and will reflect the scale of the police investigation into the murders and subsequent media frenzy around the biggest manhunt ever seen in British history."

The series is written by Simon Tyrrell (The Spanish Princess), with Blood's Laura Way taking on directorial duties and Mike Benson and Julie Ryan serving as executive producers.

Benson – the Managing Director of production company Clapperboard – said of the series: "The events of Soham in 2002 were a tragedy which touched the nation at large - and as such the casting process has been of primary importance to allow us to tell the story authentically and sensitively.

"We believe we’ve brought together a hugely talented and intelligent cast who bring nuance and a sense of realism to some really challenging roles."

Filming on the series began on location in May and it will air on Channel 5 later this year.

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