Keeley Hawes is to star as a real-life detective in new ITV drama ‘Honour’.
The ‘Line of Duty’ actress will take on the role of Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Goode, who brought five killers to justice following the murder of 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod, who was killed by her own family after falling in love with the wrong man.
The 43-year-old star – who will executive produce the project, which is being made in association with her company Buddy’s Club – said: "It is a privilege to be working on ‘Honour’ as Buddy Club’s first-ever project.
"In a time where honour killings are still rife, it is critical to shine a light on such an important subject.
"Banaz Mahmod’s story, and DCI Goode’s subsequent investigation, is certainly one that needs to be told and I am proud to be a part of it."
DCI Goode discovered Banaz had been to police five times to report threats to her life from members of her family, and the policewoman vowed she wouldn’t rest until she got justice for her.
Gwyneth Hughes, who has written the script, said: "Banaz Mahmod met her brutish death on the orders of her own father and uncle, which I find profoundly unsettling.
"That this story is ultimately so uplifting is down to the sheer heroism and dedication of the police officers who hunted down her killers. Caroline Goode and her team felt real love for this girl they’d never met.
"I found their unusual warmth and humanity deeply moving."
The drama will play out in two hour-long episodes, with filming due to start in September.
Polly Hill, ITV’s head of drama, added: "Gwyn’s scripts beautifully and sensitively tell the story of DCI Caroline Goode’s investigation into the tragic murder of Banaz Mahmod."
Keeley Hawes to play detective in ITV drama Honour
