Peaky Blinders and Industry favourites star in exclusive first look at true crime drama aiming to be “wake-up call”

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ITV’s upcoming true crime drama, Believe Me, just released its first look at the main actors in costume, and TopMob has the exclusive images.

This four-part series recounts the real story of John Worboys, known as the ‘black cab rapist.’ He pretended to be a legitimate taxi driver to target women. In 2009, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting and drugging twelve women between 2006 and 2008. These cases were investigated from a much larger number of potential victims.

This series explores the systemic failures that left John Worboys’ victims unsupported, centering on the experiences of two women, Sarah, played by Aimée-Ffion Edwards, and Laila, played by Aasiya Shah.

First-look images reveal appearances by actors Jared Edwards (known for Slow Horses and Peaky Blinders) and Jay Shah (from The Beast Must Die). Miriam Petche, who starred in Industry, will portray Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Daniel Mays, known for his roles in “A Thousand Blows” and “Line of Duty,” hasn’t appeared in photos released so far, but he will be playing the character of Worboys in the new drama written by Jeff Pope (also known for “The Reckoning”).

Sarah and Laila are teaming up with lawyer Harriet Wistrich (played by Philippa Dunne) and barrister Phillippa Kaufmann QC (played by Rachael Stirling) to take legal action against the Metropolitan Police, citing violations of the Human Rights Act.

The victims successfully won their case and even prevailed through an appeal that reached the Supreme Court. However, they later had to fight to ensure Worboys remained imprisoned when he first became eligible for parole eight years later. They were supported in this effort by Symonds, who had been a target of Worboys as a young woman but luckily escaped, and who was now a prominent member of the Conservative Party’s communications team.

After the first images were released, Sarah – whose name hasn’t been made public – shared a statement explaining that ‘Believe Me’ is dedicated to the bravery of the women who helped convict John Worboys. She said the experience profoundly changed her life, but the most difficult part was years of not being believed.

If not for the support I received, Worboys would likely have been released and continued to endanger women. Pursuing justice should not cause further suffering. Survivors shouldn’t have to struggle to be taken seriously or feel like they are being questioned instead of the perpetrator. The blame for what happened always lies with the offender, never the survivor.

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Carrie Johnson also stated she hopes her book, “Believe Me,” will prompt serious reflection within the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the parole board. She emphasized that while improvements to the system are important, a fundamental change in attitude is what’s needed most urgently.

It’s incredibly brave for women to speak up about what they’ve experienced. They deserve to be taken seriously, treated with respect, and have confidence that a fair resolution will be pursued.

Believe Me will air on ITV1 and ITVX.

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Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at the TV production company Fremantle. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-03-12 15:37