New BBC Three Drama Based on Chloe Ayling Kidnapping

The BBC has commissioned Kidnapped (w.t.), based on the true story of Chloe Ayling, a British model who was abducted in Italy in 2017 after traveling for a photo shoot.

The six-part series is produced by BBC Studios for BBC Three and iPlayer. It is written by Georgia Lester (Killing Eve, Skins).

The drama is based on detailed research, extensive interviews, documented legal proceedings and Ayling’s own book, Kidnapped. It will tell Ayling’s personal story in full for the first time, going behind the headlines to shine a light on the emotional truth.

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 honor to work with Chloe, and I can’t wait for audiences to finally see her courage, her charm and her unwavering resilience.”

Fiona Campbell, controller of youth audience for BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, said: “Many of us remember Chloe Ayling’s story and the headlines that followed. Drama on the BBC has a unique and exceptional ability to bring human stories to life and to show what happened from the inside out, to allow audiences to assess their own responses and make up their own minds. We’re hugely appreciative to Chloe for sharing her story and to the team at BBC Studios who are bringing it to the screen with the sensitivity and insight that it deserves.”

Priscilla Parish, head of drama for BBC Studios and executive producer, 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 cooperation with Ayling, who commented: “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.”