Red Sauce secures interviews with victim who escaped serial killers

UKTV is expanding its true-crime slate with a two-part documentary about the one of the victims who escaped serial killers Fred and Rose West.

U&Original series Surviving Fred and Rose West: Inside Cromwell Street is produced by Red Sauce for U and U&W and will feature testimony from one of the last surviving witnesses of the notorious murderers, Kathleen Richards.

Richards will share her story of when she moved into the Gloucester home of the pair at 17 years old, alongside her sister. Seeking a place to live, what Richards found instead was a house of manipulation, grooming and fear. Unbeknownst to her, six bodies were already buried under the property.

Her account will provide audiences with first-hand insight into her friendship with fellow lodger Shirley Robinson, who was carrying Fred West’s child before she disappeared. The documentary will also see her reunite with childhood friend and fellow witness Karen Hamilton to discuss their experiences together as they return to Cromwell Street for the first time in almost 50 years.

Richards’ interviews are supported by contributions from family and friends as well as journalists and police officers connected to the case. Expert analysis will be provided by psychologist Dr Elly Hanson, who will explore the psychology of the Wests, and the lasting impact of trauma on survivors.

Surviving Fred and Rose West: Inside Cromwell Street was ordered by former senior commissioning editor Kirsty Hanson, with Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s head of factual and factual entertainment. It was ordered for U and U&W by Hilary Rosen. Nightingale exec produces alongside Red Sauce’s Tom Edwards. Chelsea Randall is series director.

Virgin Media Television has pre-bought the series for broadcast in Ireland with international distribution handled by BossaNova.

Nightingale said the documentary “places women’s stories at the centre of the Cromwell Street narrative”.

She added: “Through Kathleen’s extraordinary survivor testimony, we are able to hear first-hand what it was like to live in that house with the Wests, and Katheen and Karen can honour all the young women who lost their lives. More than a true crime documentary, it is a powerful testament to resilience, survival and bravery.”

The two-parter is currently in production and will be available to stream on U&W and U this autumn.

This article was originally posted on our sister site, www.broadcastnow.co.uk.