True Crime Documentaries

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BBC Select delves into the world of true crime with a range of eye-opening documentaries. Learn more about crimes that made the headlines including the Wests and Jimmy Saville, shocking misdemeanors from recent times in Britain and America, as well as unlawful acts from the past including the crimes of Jack the Ripper.

The Queen and Her Lover

The Queen and Her Lover

In 1567, Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots, was murdered when his lodgings were blown up. Historians have since debated whether Mary was involved. This intriguing true crime documentary investigates the facts of the case and tries to ascertain if there’s any evidence to suggest the Queen of Scotland, or her lover, were behind the killing or if other shadowy figures were involved.

The Footballer, His Wife and the Crash

The Footballer, His Wife and the Crash

Football star Jlloyd Samuel seemed to have it all. Playing football in England’s Premier League, he had skill, money and success. But his life soon began to unravel, and his footballing dream became a nightmare. As his wife fought to keep their family together, a tragedy revealed a litany of debts, financial mismanagement and a remarkable secret second life.

Litvinenko: The Mayfair Poisoning

Litvinenko: The Mayfair Poisoning

In 2006, ex-Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium in London. His murder sent shockwaves across the world. This true crime documentary tells the previously untold story of the people behind-the-scenes who dealt with the deadly poisoning and those who led the investigation into the spy’s murder. Would those who committed the crime ever see justice?

Body On The Beach: What Happened to Annie?

Body On The Beach: What Happened to Annie?

In December 2005, a dog walker discovered the body of a Swedish woman on a beach on Scotland’s west coast. Annie Börjesson’s family were told the 30-year-old died by suicide. But, as Hazel Martin learns in this intriguing true crime documentary, something felt wrong and many questions soon emerged. Why was Annie carrying her passport? And why didn’t she board her flight at Prestwick airport?

Girl, Taken

Girl, Taken

A baby girl is stolen from a mother’s hospital bedside three days after her birth. 17 years later, she is discovered when her family enrolls a second daughter in a new school. But that is just the start of the story. This incredible true crime documentary unravels the extraordinary tale of crime and coincidence and follows two broken families trying to reunite and forgive.