Touched by evil

A powerful true-life drama tells the story of Peter Sutcliffe's horrific crimes

- SEAN MARLAND

NEW CRIME DRAMA
The Long Shadow
Monday, 9pm, ITV1

Between 1975 and 1980, Peter Sutcliffe terrorised Yorkshire in a killing spree that left 13 women dead and seven others lucky to be alive after they managed to survive his brutal attacks.

His horrific crimes left a deep scar on the nation's psyche and have been the subject of numerous films and documentaries, but the grief and pain that continues to be felt by his victims' families is often forgotten.

Based on real events and featuring a stellar ensemble cast including David Morrissey and Toby Jones, ITV1's seven-part series The Long Shadow tells the story of the infamous serial killer and the five-year manhunt he triggered. It's told through the eyes of his victims and their families, who lost mothers, sisters and daughters - to the extent that Sutcliffe (played by Mark Stobbart) does not make an appearance until the final two episodes.

Opening in October 1975, with the murder of Wilma McCann, a mother-of-four from Leeds, this week's first episode goes on to follow the story of Sydney Jackson and his wife Emily, who would be Sutcliffe's second victim.