If we weren't already obsessed with Stephen Graham before Adolescence last year, then the heart-breaking Netflix series certified our love of the actor. However, Adolescence is of course not Stephen's only superb project and we've been going through his back catalogue to rewatch some of our favourites.
And one show you absolutely need to add to your watch-list is Little Boy Blue, it's a truly harrowing, but important, watch as it's based on the real life case of Rhys Jones, who was murdered aged 11 on his walk home from football practice.
This is everything you need to know about Little Boy Blue.
What is Little Boy Blue about?
Little Boy Blue is based on the real life case of Rhys Jones. In August 2007 in Liverpool, Rhys was 11 years old when he was walking home from football practice, when he was shot and later pronounced dead. Sean Mercer was arrested and found guilty for the murder of Rhys.
The Little Boy Blue series was released 10 years later and is a dramatisation of these events told across four episodes, written by Jeff Pope. Rhys' parents Steve and Mel were highly involved in the creation of the series. Stephen Graham plays Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, who was responsible for finding Rhys' killer.
At the time of its release the series received high praise from critics with The Guardian praising Sinéad Keenan's performance as Rhys' mother Mel, saying she gave "an amazing portrait of the intensity of a mother’s grief." Meanwhile Radio Times said: "Stephen Graham, however, was undeniably the star of the show."
Who stars in Little Boy Blue?
Stephen Graham led the cast of Little Boy Blue, playing Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly.
Also on the cast is the following:
- Sinéad Keenan as Melanie Jones, Rhys' mother
- Brían F. O Byrne as Steve Jones, Rhys' father
- Sonny Beyga as Rhys Jones
- Matthew Roberts as Owen Jones, Rhys' brother
- Stephen Walters as DCI Mark Guinness
- Paddy Rowan as Sean Mercer
Where can I watch Little Boy Blue?
All four episodes of Little Boy Blue are available to watch on ITVX now. An ITVX account with adverts is completely free, you just need to register online here.
Little Boy Blue is available on ITVX now
