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Maxine (TV series)

Maxine
GenreCrime drama
Written bySimon Tyrrell
Directed byLaura Way
Starring
  • Jemma Carlton
  • Scott Reid
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes3
Production
Producers
  • Emma Foley
  • Tamryn Reinecke
Production companyClapperboard Studios[1]
Original release
NetworkChannel 5
Release10 October (2022-10-10) –
12 October 2022 (2022-10-12)

Maxine is a British three-part television drama miniseries, based on the story of Maxine Carr's involvement in the 2002 Soham murders, where 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman were killed by Carr's boyfriend Ian Huntley. It was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on Channel 5 in October 2022.[2]

Cast

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The series features Jemma Carlton, in her first television role, as Maxine Carr, and Scott Reid as Ian Huntley. Other cast members include Steve Edge, Barry John Kinsella and Kate O'Toole.[2]

Critical reception

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The series was received poorly by critics, with a review by Lucy Mangan in The Guardian describing it as "a show about the Soham murders that is both pointless and dangerous",[3] while The Independent quoted a viewer as labelling it as being in "absurdly bad taste".[4] According to the Daily Mirror, "several Channel 5 viewers found it hard to stomach, particularly as they claimed that the drama seemed to be portraying Carr as a 'victim'".[5] Channel 5 defended the decision to produce the series, with director of programmes Ben Frow being quoted as saying "it's not about the murders, it's about a woman who came from a very challenging upbringing" and "I think we have been deeply respectful to the victims, whilst shining a light on some very challenging issues".[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Maxine". Clapperboard Studios. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b Cremona, Patrick (29 June 2022). "Channel 5 announces cast for new Maxine Carr and Ian Huntley drama". Radio Times. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  3. ^ Mangan, Lucy (10 October 2022). "Maxine review – a show about the Soham murders that is both pointless and dangerous". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  4. ^ Harrison, Ellie (11 October 2022). "'Absurdly bad taste': Maxine viewers criticise Channel 5 show about Soham murders". The Independent. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  5. ^ Cook, Rebecca (10 October 2022). "Channel 5 viewers 'switch off' as Soham murders drama 'makes Maxine Carr a victim'". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  6. ^ Jeffrey, Morgan (25 August 2022). "Channel 5 boss says Maxine Carr drama is "deeply respectful to the victims"". Radio Times. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
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