The new four-part series will star Katherine Kelly and be written by Chris Lang.
The new series of Innocent follows the critical acclaim and ratings success of the first which averaged over 7 million viewers per episode (based on seven-day consolidated data) and was one of ITV’s highest rated dramas of 2018.
It will tell a new story and see Katherine Kelly taking the leading role of Sally Wright who is fighting, against all odds, to prove her innocence.
When Matty is found dead, brutally stabbed with a broken cider bottle, suspicion falls upon Sally who had admitted to taking special interest in the boy.
In spite of having no criminal record, no history of violence and vehemently protesting her innocence and the fact she couldn’t be placed at the remote beauty spot on the day Matty was found murdered, Sally was convicted by a majority verdict and sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in jail.
The series opens with Sally in the dock of Carlisle Crown Court, steely and determined to prove her innocence and that she’s been the victim of a terrible miscarriage of justice. As she waits for the jury to deliver on her appeal, Sally contemplates how she’s lost everything she holds dear. Her relationship, home and marriage to Probation Officer, Sam, her job as Head of English at a local comprehensive, her status and good name in the community, and personal contact with her aging mother who now lives in a care home.
With the unwavering support of her best friend, Jenny, Editor of the local Cumbrian Post newspaper, Sally has been given a lifeline, as new evidence, which places her six miles from the murder scene, is unearthed.
When the forewoman pronounces Sally is ‘not guilty’ of the crime which has destroyed her life her first thoughts are for Matty and his parents, John and Maria Taylor, who are still living their nightmare.
Hell-bent on reclaiming some of her life, Sally sets out to help the police seek answers and find the real killer. DCI Michael Braithwaite returning to work after a period of absence is charged with re-investigating the case and is determined to discover the true identity of Matty’s killer.
Speaking about her upcoming role, Katherine said "I’m thrilled to be working on this complex and thrilling drama by Matt Arlidge and Chris Lang. I look forward to bringing the mix of Sally’s fragility and quiet strength to life.”
Katherine will be joined by Jamie Bamber as Sally’s husband Sam, as well as Priyanga Burford, Shaun Dooley, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Lucy Black, Michael Yare, Andrew Tiernan, Nadia Albina, Poppy Miller, Janine Wood, Laura Rollins and Michael Stevenson.
The series has started filming on location in the Lake District and Ireland with Jeremy Gwilt producing and executive producing the series with Chris Lang and Matt Arlidge co-executive producing and writing the episodes. The series is being directed by Tracey Larcombe.
Innocent returns to ITV in 2021