Airdate: Anthony

2020 UK film Anthony will screen on ABC later this month.

Written by Jimmy McGovern, this examines the impact of the 2005 murder of black teenager Anthony Walker by exploring what may have happened had he lived.

It has previously screened on Britbox.

The racist murder of Anthony in Liverpool in 2005 was a hate crime that shocked the nation. One innocent life snatched away, and so many others ruined by an act of hatred. What hopes would Anthony have had? What dreams would he have chased? What loves would he have lost? What lives would he have changed? What man would Anthony have become?

The story begins with Anthony accepting an award for helping his friend Mick turn his life around by overcoming his alcohol addiction. Anthony’s surrounded by his family, including his wife Katherine and his young daughter Luighseach. As we go back in time, we witness the love story of Anthony and his wife Katherine told in reverse order. We also see how Anthony managed to help his friend Mick overcome his problems while also finding out how Mick, father to a young daughter himself, ended up homeless on the streets of Liverpool.

Told in reverse chronology, this distinctive drama presents a unique perspective on this devastating crime and the life it took away. From the producers and creator of acclaimed dramas including Care and Broken, Anthony is made in close consultation with Anthony’s mother Gee Walker. Featuring Toheeb Jimoh (The Feed) as Anthony Walker, Rakie Ayola (Been So Long) as his mother Gee Walker, Julia Brown (World on Fire) as his wife Katherine and Bobby Schofield (Knightfall) as his friend Mick.

Production details: Executive Producers: Colin McKeown, Jimmy McGovern, Terry McDonough. BBC EP: Lucy Richer.

8.40pm Sunday 19 December on ABC.