A+E Networks® UK Commissions Hello Mary to Produce Six-Part Series, Survivors With Denise Welch [WT]

A+E Networks® UK has commissioned a brand-new six-part documentary series, Survivors with Denise Welch [WT], for Crime + Investigation®. Brighton-based Indie Hello Mary will produce the series.

Presented by one of Britain’s best-known actresses and tv personalities, the six-part series explores what it means to live with the trauma of enduring and surviving horrific crimes and the incredible effort and courage required to rebuild a life in the aftermath.

At the heart of each episode is the story of someone who has been forced to confront unimaginable horror and yet has lived to tell the tale, in crimes ranging from a vicious and unprovoked stabbing by a stranger and a diabolical acid attack, to the victim of a three-hour filmed torture session and a thirteen-year reign of terror and abuse.

In each case, Denise Welch meets up 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 devastating turn of events irrevocably altered their lives.

The series will feature interviews with friends and family of the survivors and a criminal barrister’s expert commentary.

Survivors with Denise Welch [WT] has been ordered by Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks® UK, and Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor and Head of Talent at A+E Networks UK.  

Diana Carter said: “Survivors with Denise Welch [WT] is a fascinating and intimate project that seeks to explore and understand the long-term impact on survivors of devastating attacks and assaults. 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.”

The series’ executive producers are Hello Mary’s Creative Director Clare Hollywood, Hello Mary’s CEO Steve Regan, and Denise Welch.

Hello Mary’s CEO, Steve Regan, commented, “At Hello Mary, we were determined to bring something fresh to the crime genre, as were Dan and Diana, so we went to focus on the incredible survivors. There is no one better at drawing these stories out than Denise, whose empathy and compassion have been a driving force behind this project.”

Commenting on the show, Denise Welch said, “Throughout the series, there are significant stories to tell as often forgotten victims can get across the painful and lasting effects of the awful crimes they were subjected to. I admire how Crime + Investigation tells their stories differently to other channels and the team’s knowledge and enthusiasm at Hello Mary. I’m really proud to be part of this series and can’t wait for it to land on viewers’ screens.”

Survivors with Denise Welch [WT] is scheduled to be aired on Crime + Investigation® in Spring 2021.

Hello Mary Productions:

Hello Mary was set up by CEO Steve Regan in 2019. Based in Brighton, the company is currently in production on three series.

About Crime + Investigation:

Crime + Investigation® opens the door to the complex, compelling world of real crime, taking viewers on a journey in pursuit of truth, justice, and a better understanding of criminal behaviour. Each journey is personal and emotional, telling the story through investigators, experts and those most affected. The channel is home to top-rating series such as Crimes That Shook Britain, Britain’s Darkest Taboos, Homicide Hunter and Cold Case Files. CI is available in more than 50million households in 18 languages.

About A+E Networks UK:

A+E Networks® UK, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, is a leading media network reaching 58 million homes across 100 countries. With our global portfolio of popular, high-performing, and creative brands – SKY HISTORY, Crime + Investigation®, Lifetime®, SKY HISTORY2, and the UK free to air BLAZE® - we have entertained and inspired audiences for over 20 years; telling the stories that need to be told. Our award-winning factual and entertainment content includes global hit franchises like Forged in Fire and Born this Way, must-see dramas Knightfall and Vikings as well as original local commissions including: Al Murray’s Why Does Everyone Hate the English and Murdertown with Katherine Kelly (UK), Married at First Sight (Africa) and The Hunt for Baltic Gold (Poland). We complement our programming with innovative talent-led exclusive digital content and top-rated podcasts. We currently partner with over 360 operators broadcasting throughout the Nordics, Benelux, Central Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. We have offices in London, Warsaw, and Johannesburg.