ITV to air factual Hillsborough drama

The series will tell the story of Anne Williams and her son.

“I will never give up my fight for justice. I will never fail my son. The system has failed him, and I cannot forgive those who allowed that to happen.” – Anne Williams

A drama about the inspirational woman who dedicated her life to campaigning for justice following her son’s death at Hillsborough. ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned the mini-series, Anne, which will depict how Anne Williams challenged medical evidence following her son’s original inquest, and refused to accept its verdict of accidental death.

Anne, from Formby, near Liverpool, was devastated by the loss of her son, 15-year-old Kevin, who was tragically killed at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989 between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Anne stood defiantly alongside other parents and their families who fought for justice for the 96 loved ones who lost their lives at a football match. 

Determined to unearth the truth about Hillsborough, Anne Williams refused to believe the official line on how the disaster unfolded, seeking new medical opinion, tracking down witnesses whose statements were altered, and leaving no stone unturned in her fight for truth and justice.   

The four-part mini-series has been written by Kevin Sampson, author of the book Hillsborough Voices, which depicts the tragic events of the day, and what unfolded in the hours, days and years after the disaster. Sampson was at the 1989 semi-final as a fan, and interviewed Anne Williams for Hillsborough Voices. The series has also been developed with the support of her daughter, Sara, who was aged 9 when her brother died. Sara has carried on her Mum’s work, and has assisted Kevin in the writing process.  

“From the first time I spoke to Anne I was struck by her steely determination. Nothing and nobody was going to deter her from her ultimate aim – justice for Kevin and the 95 who died with him at Hillsborough. Anne’s is a story of a mother’s love being stronger than any opponent or obstacle. She refused to lie down, and it’s an honour that her family has entrusted us with telling her inspirational story.” – writer Kevin Sampson