Maxine will examine the police investigation into school assistant Maxine Carr and her caretaker fiancé Ian Huntley, who was later imprisoned for the double murder of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, the tragic case that shocked the nation. The three-part drama will explore, through Carr’s perspective, her tumultuous relationship with Huntley; 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.

Newcomer Jemma Carlton will play the lead role of Maxine Carr, with Scott Reid (White House Farm, Line of Duty, Carnival Row) starring as Ian Huntley. Steve Edge (The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Starlings, Floodlights) stars as journalist Brian Farmer, along with Natalie Britton (Them, Upcoming Reasonable Doubt, Finding You) as tabloid journalist Jane Kerrigan. In addition, Kate O’Toole (The Dead, Possession, Man on the Train) also features.

Mike Benson and Julie Ryan are executive producers on the series. Laura Way (The Holiday, Blood) is directing, whilst Simon Tyrrell (The Spanish Princess) serves as the writer and Tamryn Reinecke and Emma Foley (Redemption of a Rouge, It Is In Us All) as producers. Abacus Media Rights are on board as international distributor for the series.

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard commented: “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 for Maxine started on location in May and is set to transmit on Channel 5 later this year.