Martin Clunes to Star in New ITV Drama Manhunt

British broadcaster ITV has commissioned the new drama Manhunt, based on the memoirs of former London Metropolitan police detective DCI Colin Sutton.

Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) will take the role of former DCI Sutton, who determinedly and tenaciously pursued serial killer Levi Bellfield. The series will be written by Ed Whitmore (Silent Witness, Rillington Place, Strike Back) and produced by Buffalo Pictures.

Manhunt will be directed by Marc Evans (Trauma, Safe House, Hinterland) and produced by Philippa Braithwaite (Doc Martin, Arthur & George). Filming will begin in the London area in March 2018.

Polly Hill, ITV’s head of drama, said: “ITV has a strong tradition of bringing these important true stories to screen, so we are proud to commission Manhunt from Buffalo Pictures. With the full cooperation of ex DCI Colin Sutton, Manhunt dramatizes his fight to find Amelie’s killer, Levi Bellfield. It is a powerful, compelling script from Ed Whitmore, which illustrates how a dedicated and resilient police officer was determined to leave no stone unturned. I am delighted that Martin Clunes is to play Colin Sutton, in what will be a powerful and unmissable performance.”

Braithwaite commented: “Ed Whitmore has written a very sensitive and accurate portrayal of this significant case based extensively on DCI Colin Sutton’s very personal memoirs during his years as a senior police officer. We are very pleased to be producing Manhunt for ITV.”