Little Boy Blue (TV series)

Little Boy Blue
Little Boy Blue title sequence
GenreDrama
Written byJeff Pope[1]
Directed byPaul Whittington[2]
StarringStephen Graham
Sinéad Keenan
Stephen Walters
Christine Tremarco
Sara Powell
Grant Crookes
Faye McKeever
Brían F. O'Byrne
ComposerNiall Byrne
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes4
Production
Executive producerJeff Pope
ProducerKwadjo Dajan
Running time60 minutes
Production companyITV Studios
Original release
NetworkITV
Release24 April (2017-04-24) –
15 May 2017 (2017-05-15)

Little Boy Blue is an ITV drama series, shown over four sixty-minute episodes from 24 April to 15 May 2017.[3] The series focuses on the murder of Rhys Jones in Croxteth, Liverpool in 2007.[3][4] For his performance, Brían F. O'Byrne won the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2018.

Cast

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Production

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Stephen Graham was cast as Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly and Sinéad Keenan and Brían F. O'Byrne were cast as Melanie and Steve Jones, respectively in a new four-part drama titled Little Boy Blue.[5] On 18 April 2017, it was confirmed that the programme would begin its broadcasting on 24 April 2017 on a weekly basis, concluding on 15 May.[6]

Episodes

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Little Boy Blue aired in four sixty-minute episodes.[3] Whilst filming took place in Liverpool, the murder scene itself was filmed outside Liverpool as a sign of respect for his parents.[7] However locations used in Liverpool include the Anglican Cathedral and Liverpool Crown Court.[7]

No. Title Directed by[2] Written by[1] Original air date Viewers
(millions)
1"Episode One"Paul WhittingtonJeff Pope24 April 2017 (2017-04-24)8.12
When eleven-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones is brutally shot dead walking home from football practice, Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly (Stephen Graham) is charged with bringing his teenage killer to justice. His identity is well known, but finding the evidence to charge him proves to be a far more difficult challenge.
2"Episode Two"Paul WhittingtonJeff Pope1 May 2017 (2017-05-01)7.88
As Rhys Jones is laid to rest, a police raid at the home of Kevin Moody (Michael Moran) leads to the recovery of the gun used in his murder. Moody must choose between being labelled a "grass" and risking retribution, or speaking the truth to clear his name. Unexpectedly, a forensic examination of the gun leaves the entire investigation hanging in the balance.
3"Episode Three"Paul WhittingtonJeff Pope8 May 2017 (2017-05-08)7.99
When potential witness Claire Olssen is intimidated into changing her statement, the investigation team look for other ways to reinforce their case. As Steve returns to work, Kelly is offered a deal that tests his resolve.
4"Episode Four"Paul WhittingtonJeff Pope15 May 2017 (2017-05-15)8.25
Mercer and his associates are tried for their roles in Rhys's murder. The verdict fails to bring closure for Melanie (Sinead Keenan) and Steve (Brían F. O'Byrne) as the fractures in their relationship come to a head. An unexpected setback leaves Kelly with a tough decision to make.

References

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  1. ^ a b Kelly, Helen (24 April 2017). "Little Boy Blue writer 'still can't make sense' of Rhys Jones' tragic murder". Daily Express. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Little Boy Blue Curtis Brown". Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "little-boy-blue". ITV. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  4. ^ Graham, Alison. "Little Boy Blue Episode Guide". Radio Times. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  5. ^ ITV Media | Little Boy Blue
  6. ^ Munn, Patrick (18 April 2017). "ITV Sets Premiere Date For 'Little Boy Blue'". TV Wise. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  7. ^ a b Parry, Josh (25 April 2017). "Why ITV's Little Boy Blue didn't film in carpark where Rhys was murdered". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
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