True-crime kidnap drama to film for BBC Three
A new drama based on the real-life events of 2017, when British model Chloe Ayling was kidnapped in Italy, will film this summer for BBC Three.
Kidnapped (w/t) is from BBC Studios and writer Georgia Lester, best known for her work on Killing Eve and Skins.
The six-part series centres on Ayling’s visit to Milan, for a modelling assignment, and her subsequent abduction. She was released six days later, and her kidnappers later sent to jail. Ayling found herself at the centre of a media storm, with headlines accusing her of faking her own kidnapping.
The 6 x 30’ drama uses detailed research, extensive interviews, documented legal proceedings and Ayling’s own book Kidnapped. Al Mackay directs; Clare Sheperd produces. The executive producers are Priscilla Parish, Michael Parke and Andrew Morrissey for BBC Studios, Lucy Richer for the BBC, and writer Lester.
Lester said: “Every moment that I have spent researching this series and spending time with Chloe, learning about the ordeal she suffered both by the men who abducted her and the people who doubted her, has been shocking and infuriating. It’s been an honour to work with Chloe and I can’t wait for audiences to finally see her courage, her charm and her unwavering resilience.”
Parish added: “This is a jaw-dropping true story of a woman who survived a horrific ordeal using her wits, but was vilified in the aftermath. Georgia’s scripts are exemplary in their treatment of this highly topical subject matter.”
The series is being made in full co-operation with Ayling, who said: “I am excited that BBC Studios are telling my story and that the wider world will get to know the truth about what happened to me and learn of the many details that weren’t brought to light originally. Georgia Lester and the team have been incredibly supportive in our conversations, and I couldn’t be happier that they are making this series.”
Chloe Ayling image via BBC.
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