The series will tell the incredible true story of Delia Balmer. 

ITV have announced a new true crime drama commission from World Productions (Line of Duty, Bodyguard). The show, from writer Nick Stevens (The Pembrokeshire Murders) will tell the story of Delia Balmer who who survived a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney.

The drama is based on Delia Balmer’s own book Living With a Serial Killer.

Here’s the premise of the show, which has the working title of Deila Balmer:

In 1991 Delia leads an itinerant and solitary life in London working as an agency nurse. When she meets fellow free-spirit John Sweeney in a local pub, it seems like the connection she has been searching for.

As the relationship develops, Sweeney’s artistic, anti-establishment persona gives way to a darker side, culminating in a series of violent attacks on Delia, during which he tells her he killed his former girlfriend and disposed of her body in an Amsterdam canal. 

Sweeney is arrested but, due to a catastrophic failure by the court to realise how dangerous he is, granted bail. He immediately pursues Delia and subjects her to a horrific, near-fatal attack. She survives, but Sweeney evades capture and disappears.

Shattered by the trauma and injuries inflicted by Sweeney, Delia bravely seeks to rebuild her life. But Sweeney returns seven years later and is arrested for the murder of another girlfriend in North London. Delia’s fragile recovery is shattered all over again as she has to face Sweeney in open court, her testimony vital to the prosecution case against him.

This is the story of one woman’s astonishing will to survive through physical and emotional torment, despite the failings of the institutions which were meant to protect her.

The cast

The lead cast have been announced, with Anna Maxwell Martin (A Spy Among Friends, Motherland) taking the role of Delia Balmer. Shaun Evans (Endeavour) plays John Sweeney.

Anna Maxwell Martin said:

“Telling an important story with the excellent team from World Productions, producer Ken Horn, director Julia Ford and a brilliant cast is always an exciting proposition! As it is brought to life by Nick Stevens, hopefully we will do Delia due diligence.”

Shaun Evans adds:

“I’ve previously worked with World Productions and ITV separately, so I’m looking forward to joining forces to tell this story. A story that is quite rightly told through the victim’s lens, Delia. We have an excellent script from Nick Stevens and I couldn’t be more delighted to work with Anna.”

Filming commences on Delia Balmer during February 2023.

The show is destined for ITV1 and streamer ITVX. We’ll keep you posted.