Ripper Street - BBC Commissions New 8-part Jack the Ripper Series

BBC Press Release:

Tiger Aspect Productions and co-producer Lookout Point have been commissioned by Danny Cohen, Controller BBC One and Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, to make 8-part drama series, Ripper Street for BBC One.

Created by writer Richard Warlow (Mistresses, Waking The Dead), Ripper Street is an extraordinary new drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the "Ripper" murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel.

Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper's legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama's heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit.

Danny Cohen, Controller, BBC One, says: "Ripper Street is a gripping new drama for BBC One. Set against the backdrop of a fevered historical London, I believe it has the quality and intensity to be a hit with BBC One viewers."

Ripper Street will be executive produced for Tiger Aspect by Will Gould and Head of Drama Greg Brenman and for Lookout Point by Simon Vaughan (Parade's End, Titanic). Polly Hill will executive produce for the BBC. Shooting commences in spring 2012.

Greg Brenman says: "We are so excited about Ripper Street and believe that Richard Warlow is creating a period show that respects its moment in history whilst also achieving a thoroughly modern, entertaining and visceral piece of entertainment."

Simon Vaughan adds: "The Ripper case was the first ever mass-media man hunt and is known literally all over the world. We are producing a British drama with global ambitions and we are already having conversations with a number of US and international broadcasters who recognise the in built branding of the title."