text: ITV has given the green-light to Anne, a four-part drama about one mother’s campaign for justice following her son’s death at Hillsborough in 1989, which hails from Line Of Duty indie World Productions.
  Anne charts the story of Anne Williams, who was devastated by the loss of her son, 15-year-old Kevin 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 drama is being penned by Hillsborough Voices author Kevin Sampson, who was at Hillsborough that day and interviewed Anne Williams for his book. Anne has been developed for television with the support of Williams’ 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. It was commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama Poly Hill. “This drama is dedicated to Anne Williams and her diligent and tireless 23-year campaign to learn how and when her son died. She was an inspiration and I’m proud that we can depict her story”, she said. World Productions CEO and Creative Director Simon Heath will executive produce. Filming is expected to get underway this summer in Liverpool.
  “This is something I have thought very carefully about before deciding to go ahead. Mum’s story is such a powerful and inspiring one, and we all remember how important she always felt it was to get the message out there and bang the drum for justice”, added Sara Williams. “There have been a number of expressions of interest in dramatising her story over the last four years but the key factor here is the involvement of people who I know personally, and who also have a deep understanding of Hillsborough, our story and all the elements around that. I am excited, as well as a little bit scared, but I just feel it is the right thing to do and am looking forward to working alongside talented people who I know will give everything to ensure we produce a series that does justice to my mum, our Kev, the 96 and everyone involved.”