We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
Honour focuses on the investigation into the death of 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod in 2006, who was killed at the hands of her father, uncle and three cousins for wanting to pursue a relationship with someone of her own choosing. DCI Caroline Goode (played by Keeley Hawes) was determined to get justice for the victim and the investigation, from the time her boyfriend Rahmat Sulemani reported her missing to the time her murderers were sentenced for their crime, took seven years. The case is now being portrayed in a new two-part ITV drama, which will feature a female police officer leading the case, something which has never been seen on the network.
How is Boris Johnson handling the coronavirus crisis? Vote in our poll
Explaining the historic significance of the series, producer Alliea Nazar told Express.co.uk and other publications something like this had not been seen on the broadcaster before.
“ITV do a lot of factual dramas but I think it’s the first time they’ve had a female policewoman at the heart of a drama,” she explained.
“Because they’re normally male police [officers]. [Caroline’s] a remarkable woman and it is a bit of a first for this drama in that respect.”
Line of Duty star Keeley, 44, takes on the real-life character and she spoke about how she felt portraying a real-life person.
To research Caroline, the actress first read the scripts for the drama as well as watching Deeyah Khan’s 2012 documentary, Banaz: A Love Story, in which her character starred.
“I was able to – which is very unusual – to see this woman in action and talking about her experience I had just read about,” Keeley began.
“It wasn’t that sometimes there’s a resemblance and you can see why someone might have thought of you for a role when you’re playing a real person.
“She’s just an extraordinary woman in terms of her intonation and her determination to achieve justice for her was unlike any other story I’d ever come across. It’s highly unusual.”
Writer Gwyneth Hughes also added: “I’ve done lots of police shows and I’ve never come across anything like this – the level of personal commitment [she had for justice].”
It is a bit of a first
Alliea Nazar
Keeley also talked about meeting Caroline face-to-face during the early stages of filming for the ITV drama.
The actress explained: “She came to set early on. It’s always odd meeting someone you’re going to play – it’s a very strange thing.
“In the case of Caroline, we did have some artistic licence because unless you know Caroline Goode, you don’t know her.
“It’s not like taking on Margaret Thatcher or the Queen. People expect one recognition – they want more than the essence of that person.
“I felt very lucky to speak to her and it gave me the licence and gave me the liberty to explore that a little bit.”
DON’T MISS…
Keeley Hawes reunites with Bodyguard co-star Richard Madden [PICTURES]
Keeley Hawes: ‘I will miss my Durrells children…I love them all’ [INTERVIEW]
Keeley Hawes: Traitors star’s marriages from Spencer to Matthew [ANALYSIS]
The two-part series will air over the next two nights and walk viewers through the most significant moments of the investigation.
Of the reason she delved into this case, Gwyneth said: “Banaz Mahmod met her brutish death on the orders of her own father and uncle, which I find profoundly unsettling.
“This story shows the sheer heroism and dedication of the police officers who hunted down her killers.
“Caroline Goode and her team felt real love for this girl they’d never met. I found their unusual warmth and humanity deeply moving.”
Executive producer Liza Marshall also commented on the series, with this being the first commissioned piece by ITV for her production company, Hera Pictures.
She said: “At Hera Pictures we are committed to telling stories about remarkable women, so I feel privileged to bring Gwyneth’s sensitive and skilful script to screen.
“And to shine a light on the bravery of Banaz and Caroline’s dedication to achieving justice for her.
“I am delighted that the team at ITV share our passion for this story and we couldn’t have hoped for a better actress than Keeley to take on this role.”
Honour begins tonight at 9pm on ITV.
Source: Read Full Article