A new BBC documentary is to tell the story of Andrew Malkinson’s “fight for freedom and justice” after being wrongfully convicted.
The hour-long programme will tell the deeply-personal story of an innocent man who was “failed at every turn” by the criminal justice system and ended up spending 17 years behind bar for a crime he didn’t commit.
If you’re unfamiliar with Andrew Malkinson’s story, it all started on the morning of 2 August 2003 when he received a knock on his door.
It was the police, and they were there to arrest him for the violent attack and rape of a young woman in Salford – but the only thing is, Andrew was adamant he hadn’t done it, despite officers being certain he matches the victim’s description of the attacker.
As he was convinced everything would be cleared up once he gets to the police station, Andrew agreed to take part in a video lineup, but to his shock, the victim identified him in the lineup as the man who attacked her, and Andrew was subsequently charged with attempted murder and rape, before jury later found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison.
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BBC to air new documentary about Andrew Malkinson’s ‘fight for freedom’ after wrongful conviction / Credit: Sophia Spring (via APPEAL)
After spending 17 years on the sex offenders wing in HMP Frankland, and maintaining his innocence the entire time, the Parole Board agreed to release Andrew from prison, and then almost 20 years since his arrest, the judge at the Court of Appeal delivered his decision.
“Mr Malkinson, having waited so many years, you leave the court a free man, no longer subject to the conditions of your life licence,” the judge declared.
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During the BBC documentary, which is titled The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars, Andrew takes centre stage to tell his story, and describes the devastating effect of those years in prison.
Filmed over a crucial three-year timespan, this powerful film has exclusive access to Andrew, his family, and his legal team to tell the extraordinary story of his fight to prove his innocence, from the moment of his arrest, right through to his exoneration at the Court of Appeal two-decades later.
BBC Factual announces The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars
Documentary for @BBCTwo & @BBCiPlayer tells the story of Andrew Malkinson and the devastating effect of the years he spent in prison for a crime he didn’t commit
“This film describes one of the most terrible miscarriages of justice of our time,” explained Emma Loach, who is the Lead Commissioning Editor of documentaries at the BBC.
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“This was not only a devastating failure of the judicial system for Andrew, it has also neglected to bring justice for the victim of what was an appalling crime. The film goes behind the headlines and shows Andrew’s bravery and tenacity as he fights for his freedom and the terrible repercussions he is still facing today.”
The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars airs on BBC Two this Thursday 6 June at 9pm, and you can watch it on BBC iPlayer after it airs here.
Featured Image – Ben Broomfield / APPEAL (via BBC)
TV & Showbiz
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people who want to adopt dogs in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve always wanted to rescue a dog and provide a forever home to an animal in need, this might be your sign – Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to take part in the next series of The Dog House.
The programme is looking for local applicants who may be thinking of adopting a rescue dog, with rescue centres around Greater Manchester feeling the strain.
Rehoming charities have said they’re facing an unprecedented surge in demand.
So now the BAFTA-nominated show The Dog House is keen to hear from people in Manchester who are interested in rehoming a dog, particularly individuals and families with touching, heartfelt reasons for wanting to rehome.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, a family looking for a new companion, or looking for a new furry friend for your existing pets, The Dog House and its chosen rescue shelter can help.
The show launched in 2019 and is filmed at Woodgreen Pets Charity, shining a light and raising awareness for the joys and realities of rescuing dogs.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people to adopt dogs in Manchester
Around 90% of dog owners say their pet improves their life, 86% report being physically healthier, and 88% say it benefits their mental wellbeing, according to data shared by Channel 4.
Channel 4 has said that more than 47,000 people contacted Dogs Trust about giving up their dogs last year alone, with the RSPCA reporting that the number of dogs in their care has doubled since 2020.
The Dog House team is now seeking people in Manchester who may be thinking about adopting a rescue dog – whether for companionship, support, wellbeing, or simply the joy of bringing a four-legged friend into their life.
If you or someone you know is considering adopting a dog, you can apply HERE or email [email protected].
The full lineup for the Strictly Live tour has been revealed
Danny Jones
Yes, ballroom lovers, it’s here: the full lineup of dancers for the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’ tour has finally and officially been revealed.
It feels like fans have been waiting ages to find out the entire roster for the Strictly Live tour next year, with only limited waves having been released thus far.
However, the patience has paid off, and we now know who’ll be starring both on the stage and on down on the floors of some of Britain’s most beloved venues, including our very own AO Arena.
You can see the latest raft of additions down below.
As you can see, the final four couples who complete the next Strictly Live tour lineup for 2026 are social media personality George Clarke, Emmerdale face Lewis Cope, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and another actor in Layton Williams.
This quality quartet will be paired up with Alexis Warr, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley and Nikita Kuzmin, respectively; it has already been confirmed that much-loved trio Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning as judges, with Janette Manrara remaining as host.
Strictly‘s still ongoing season – the 23rd in the show’s history – is due to conclude this weekend, following the final on Saturday night (20 December), and it remains to be seen which of the current cast will be crowned champion, with several of those above and below now signed up for the live tour.
The rest of the Strictly Live dancers for 2026 here:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka ‘Nitro’
Alex Kingston
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Balvinder Sopal
George Clarke
La Voix
Chris Robshaw
Ellie Goldstein
Thomas Skinner
Vicky Pattison
Stefan Dennis
Ross King
Karen Carney
Lewis Cope
Amber Davies
It isn’t guaranteed that each of these contestants will be taking part in EVERY single one of the tour dates, but either way, you’ve still got ‘The Professionals’ to come next spring, too.
The annual Strictly Come Dancing UK tour has become a firm fan favourite, not only among die-hard viewers of the BBC show but lovers of live entertainment in general.
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and others confirmed the dates for their live shows earlier this year, with the AO set to host the two days’ worth of moves across Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February.
Hosting both normal evening shows as well as matinee slots, it’s simply up to you at what time of day you fancy panto-booing Craig…
If you’re interested in securing tickets for the typically fabulous festivals, you can grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
4th June 2024 
