Note: The following article contains discussion of rape and sexual misconduct.
The real-life survivor behind ITV's dark and gripping drama Believe Me says the series should be "compulsory viewing for all police officers", following the Metropolitan police's failings in the 'black-cab-rapist' case involving prolific abuser John Worboys.
Daniel Mays starred as rapist John, alongside Aimée-Ffion Edwards, Aasiya Shah and Miriam Petche as victims 'Sarah', Laila and Carrie respectively. The series centres these women's horrific ordeal of being drugged by John in the back of his black cab followed by their relentless pursuit for justice despite the lack of support from the Met.
'Sarah', who goes by an alias to protect her anonymity, spoke to Susanna Reid on Good Morning Britain and echoed the experience of her on-screen counterpart when she admitted to still living with guilt for the attacks that Worboys committed after she was drugged and raped by him in 2003.
The survivor urged the police to watch creator Jeff Pope's series, stating: "Not being believed was so hard with the police in particular. They clearly sowed a seed in my then-partner's head. He wanted to believe me, but he'd been told that this probably didn't happen. And towards the end of the investigation, I was told categorically it hadn't happened."
A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police recently commented on the case, stating: "Our thoughts remain with the victims and survivors of the horrific crimes committed by John Worboys.
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"We have previously apologised for the serious failings in the investigation, and the distress caused to all those affected. This case led to significant improvements in the way rape and sexual offences are investigated, and today we're working with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure victim-survivors are at the heart of our response, with a greater focus on suspects and their offending."
'Sarah' continued by encouraging other victims to come forward, sharing: "You need to press charges. We need him to stay behind bars for as long as possible for the protection of every young girl, young woman out there."
Speaking on the response the show has gotten, she added: "I have seen comments about, why did we accept the drink? He manipulated us into it to the point where you just thought, 'Oh, let me have the drink to shut him up'. Nobody should feel like, 'Oh, that was my fault, because I accepted that drink'."
Mays praised his co-stars on the "heartbreaking performances they delivered" in a post on Instagram, where he wrote: "What they were asked to perform was incredibly difficult, demanding acting that was thoroughly researched, detailed, emotional, nuanced and above all else fearless.
"I wasn't, of course, privy to their scenes outside of the taxi, but I was so unbelievably moved by all three girls when I watched the show for the first time."
His sentiments were echoed by viewers who took to his comment section to celebrate the acting across the board, with one fan posting "hats off to everyone involved in this series".
Believe Me is available to stream now on ITVX.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
