BBC Drama on Wayne Couzens Sparks Controversy
New BBC series 'Among Us' portraying Sarah Everard's killer faces backlash over male writer's involvement.
Welsh actor Matthew Trevannion is set to portray Wayne Couzens, the former Metropolitan Police officer convicted of the abduction, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard, in a new two-part BBC drama titled 'Among Us.' The series, written by Bafta-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope and produced by Etta Pictures, has drawn controversy.
Exclusive images show Trevannion, 43, with a shaved head and grim expression, filming scenes depicting Couzens's arrest. He is seen being led to a police van and later through its barred rear window. Other scenes filmed in Orpington, Kent, recreate Couzens driving the VW Golf used to abduct Ms. Everard. Filming also occurred around Bromley.
Trevannion, known for roles in Netflix's 'Kaos' and ITV's 'Until I Kill You,' bears a striking resemblance to Couzens, who is serving a whole-life sentence for the March 2021 murder of the 33-year-old marketing executive.
Lisa McGrillis will play DCI Katherine Goodwin, the lead detective in the investigation.
The production has faced significant criticism regarding the BBC's decision to have a male screenwriter, Jeff Pope, tell the story. An open letter signed by approximately 400 female screenwriters earlier this year expressed anger over Pope's appointment. The BBC has defended the commission, asserting that the drama will be handled with sensitivity.