Line of Duty star Vicky McClure leads exciting new true crime series

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While fans eagerly await another season of Line of Duty, Vicky McClure is back with a new show. This time, she’s investigating real, disturbing crimes from Britain’s past instead of fictional police corruption.

The actress, who previously starred in This Is England and the follow-up TV show, will host Britain’s Murder Map, a new documentary series on Sky History.

Joanne McClure and her husband, Jonny Owen – a historian and producer – will travel across the UK to revisit shocking crimes. These cases weren’t just sensational at the time, but also brought about lasting changes to the country’s laws and society.

This five-episode series follows a couple as they delve into famous and unresolved cases – including murders, wrongful convictions, and significant court battles. They’ll work with experts, police, and the families affected by these crimes to understand why these cases still capture our attention after so many years – sometimes even centuries.

Joining the hosts is acclaimed author Irvine Welsh, known for Trainspotting, who appears in the very first episode on Tuesday, April 7th. In that episode, they journey back to 1828 Edinburgh to examine the notorious murders committed by Burke and Hare. They’ll uncover how the need for bodies for medical studies fueled a horrific series of killings – a case Welsh shares inspired his writing.

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This episode delves into the tragic story of Timothy Evans, who was executed at 10 Rillington Place – a case widely believed to have led to the end of the death penalty in the UK. Owen travels to Merthyr Tydfil, the hometown of both Evans and himself, and speaks with specialists, including Edward Fitzgerald, the lawyer who fought to clear Evans’ name after his death.

Future episodes will delve into the unsolved case of ‘Bible John’ in Glasgow and the 1959 murder of Kelso Cochrane in Notting Hill. The investigation into Cochrane’s death, which occurred during a time of racial tension, will reveal how it ultimately led to the creation of the Notting Hill Carnival – a celebration of community strength and togetherness.

The series ends by revisiting the infamous 1910 Dr. Crippen case. Investigators McClure and historian Dr. Fern Riddell examine how women were treated during the Edwardian era and explore why this shocking murder within a family continues to capture the public’s imagination as one of Britain’s most well-known crimes.

Most people recognize Anna McClure as Kate Fleming, but the show Britain’s Murder Map lets audiences see her use her detective skills to explore actual historical cases.

The new documentary series ‘Britain’s Murder Map,’ featuring Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen, premieres on Sky History and History Play on Tuesday, April 7th, at 9 PM.

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2026-03-17 19:19