A+E Networks UK commissions crime trauma docuseries

Denise Welch

A+E Networks UK has commissioned a six-part documentary series, exploring the stories of those who have survived horrific crimes, for its Crime + Investigation channel.

Brighton-based indie Hello Mary will produce the series, which has the working title of Survivors With Denise Welch, and is due to debut this spring. It is being executive produced by Hello Mary’s creative director Clare Hollywood and CEO Steve Regan, and host Denise Welch.

The series will focus on what it means to live with great trauma and the courage required to rebuild a life afterwards. Crimes examine include an unprovoked stabbing, an acid attack and a three-hour filmed torture session.

Welch will meet with the survivors to find out what was going through their minds at every stage of the crime, how they found the inner strength to survive and face their attackers in court, and how the events irrevocably altered their lives. The series will also feature interviews with friends and family of the survivors and a criminal barrister’s expert commentary.

“Survivors With Denise Welch is a fascinating and intimate project that seeks to explore and understand the long-term impact on survivors of devastating attacks and assaults,” said Diana Carter, commissioning editor and head of talent at A+E Networks UK.

“It’s an incredibly powerful series as we hear first-hand from the survivors of these crimes, how they have endured such inhumanity and yet found the inner strength to rebuild their lives piece by piece.”