ITV has commissioned two part drama, Honour, written by Gwyneth Hughes, starring Keeley Hawes, directed by Richard Laxton and produced by Hera Pictures in association with Buddy Club.
Keeley Hawes is to star as the real-life detective who brought five killers to justice in the true story of Banaz Mahmod, the young Londoner murdered by her own family for falling in love with the wrong man.
Written by Gwyneth Hughes (Vanity Fair, Dark Angel, Remember Me), Honour tells the story of Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode’s search to discover the fate of missing 20-year old Banaz.
DCI Goode, played by Keeley Hawes, discovered that Banaz had been to the police five times to report threats to her life from members of her own family. Appalled that her own colleagues had missed multiple chances to save a young woman’s life and prevent a so-called “honour” killing, Caroline vowed that she would not rest until she finally got justice for Banaz.
Honour is a 2 x 60 factual drama which has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill. Richard Laxton (Mrs Wilson, Burton and Taylor, An Englishman in New York) will direct both episodes and Alliea Nazar will produce. Liza Marshall, Gwyneth Hughes, Peter Kosminsky and Keeley Hawes will executive produce, and the drama will be made in association with Keeley’s company Buddy Club.
Liza Marshall has previously worked as Head of Drama for Channel 4. She is also formerly Head of Scott Free London. Most recently she was responsible for drama Riviera and mini series The State. She now runs Hera Pictures, currently in post production on Temple, 8 x 60 for Sky, starring Mark Strong, Carice van Houten and Danny Mays. Honour is Hera Pictures first drama commission for ITV.
Polly Hill said : “Gwyn’s scripts beautifully and sensitively tell the story of DCI Caroline Goode’s investigation into the tragic murder of Banaz Mahmod. I am proud to work with Liza and Hera Pictures, to bring this important story to screen on ITV.”
Liza Marshall said: “At Hera Pictures we are committed to telling stories about remarkable women, so I feel privileged to bring Gwyneth’s sensitive and skilful script to screen and to shine a light on the bravery of Banaz and Caroline’s dedication to achieving justice for her. I am delighted that Polly and the team at ITV share our passion for this story and we couldn’t have hoped for a better actress than Keeley to take on this role.”
Gwyneth Hughes said:“Banaz Mahmod met her brutish death on the orders of her own father and uncle, which I find profoundly unsettling. That this story is ultimately so uplifting is down to the sheer heroism and dedication of the police officers who hunted down her killers. Caroline Goode and her team felt real love for this girl they’d never met. I found their unusual warmth and humanity deeply moving.”
Keeley Hawes said: “It is a privilege to be working on Honour as Buddy Club’s first ever project. In a time where honour killings are still rife, it is critical to shine a light on such an important subject. Banaz Mahmod’s story, and DCI Goode’s subsequent investigation, is certainly one that needs to be told and I am proud to be a part of it.”
Filming will begin in September.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment distributes Honour internationally.
Staff Reporter
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