New ITV Drama on Raoul Moat Sparks Outrage
ITV’s upcoming drama The Hunt For Raoul Moat has stirred up controversy, with critics slamming it as being in poor taste. The series, which revisits Britain’s biggest manhunt, is already dividing opinion online.
Social Media Backlash
- One Facebook user slammed the show, saying: “Sorry but it is an awful idea for a show and I will not be watching.”
- Another wrote: “Seriously, drop it now! This monster doesn’t deserve anymore attention. It’s close to home to start with!”
The drama tells the harrowing tale of the violent ex-Newcastle doorman Raoul Moat, spotlighting the victims, police officers, and a local journalist caught in the deadly crossfire. It focuses on innocent victims Christopher Brown, Samantha Stobbart, and PC David Rathband, along with the officers risking their lives to catch Moat.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Dark Story to Life
Lee Ingleby (Inspector George Gently) stars as Neil Adamson, the senior Northumbria Police officer hunting Moat. Sonya Cassidy plays Diane Barnwell, the local journalist striving to cut through sensationalism. Vineeta Rishi, Sally Messham, Matt Stokoe, and Josef Davis feature in key roles, including Moat himself.
The gripping drama begins with Moat’s release from prison after a brief sentence for assault. Terrified ex-partner Samantha has moved on with new boyfriend Chris — but Moat, making threats from prison, is determined to reignite the relationship. When rejected, he arms himself with a shotgun, setting off a terrifying chain of events.
Behind the Scenes: A Serious Take on a Sensational Story
The show is produced by World Productions, the team behind hits like Line of Duty and The Pembrokeshire Murders. Renowned writer Kevin Sampson, known for the acclaimed drama Anne, penned the script.
“The hunt for Raoul Moat gripped me from the start,” said Sampson. “It was the first case covered ‘live’ by 24-hour news channels in the UK. Despite the brutality, some portrayed Moat as a ‘legend’. In 2022, violence against women remains widespread and often met with victim-blaming. I hope this drama condemns that narrative.”
Released from Durham prison in July 2010, Moat sparked a week-long manhunt after shooting three people and threatening police and public alike. Despite police efforts, he evaded capture, feeding a false image of an ‘anti-hero’ fighting authority. The truth was a dangerous sociopath armed to the teeth.
The Hunt for Raoul Moat is commissioned by ITV Head of Drama Polly Hill, promising a tense, hard-hitting retelling of one of the UK’s darkest true crime sagas.
