BBC commission new drama from Bodyguard producers

The BBC have commissioned a new drama from the producers of \'Bodyguard\'.

\'Showtrial\' will tell the story of a fictional case where the victim, the accused, and their families are at the heart of a media storm as the events of an alleged crime grip the nation, and the programme will take a look at how wealth, politics and prejudice conspire to distort the quest for justice.

Creator and writer, Ben Richards, said: "The right to a fair trial and the idea of reasonable doubt lie at the heart of a civilised society.

"\'Showtrial\' explores how they can be distorted by other factors, in a world where concepts such as fairness, doubt and reason are afforded such diminishing value."

The story will see Talitha Campbell, the arrogant daughter of a rich entrepreneur, arrested after the disappearance of a hard-working student, Hannah Ellis.

And the show will switch between both sides of the legal battle over six one-hour episodes as viewers try to figure out the truth about Talitha.

Simon Heath, CEO and Creative Director of World Productions - which made \'Bodyguard\', starring the likes of Richard Madden - said: "It\'s great to be working again with Ben Richards, who uses the DNA of our true crime obsession to create a gripping fictional murder trial that shines a light on the failings of our justice system."

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, added: "Rich in character and truly contemporary, \'Showtrial\' follows the investigation of a serious crime as it grows from routine investigation to national talking point, charting the progress of the case and the mounting pressure on those on the inside.

"In \'Showtrial\', Ben shows his powers as an independent thinker and an innovative storyteller, and we are delighted to be working with he and Simon Heath to bring this series to the BBC One."

The six-part series will air on BBC One.