Channel 5 has confirmed there is currently no scheduled date for a drama about the 1996 murder of Lee Harvey in Alvechurch, which had been due to air on Monday 13 July.
Local story to national screens delayed
The one-off drama, which reconstructs events surrounding the killing and the subsequent police investigation, was pulled from its slot earlier this month because of what the broadcaster described as scheduling reasons. More than two weeks after its intended premiere, Channel 5 says it has not yet placed the programme back into its schedules.
"No date has been confirmed in the schedules as yet."
The programme explores the death of 25-year-old Lee Harvey, who was fatally attacked in December 1996 as he and his partner made their way home from a pub in Marlbrook, Bromsgrove. Tracie Andrews, then living at The Becks in Alvechurch, was convicted of the killing and served 14 years in custody.
Cast, sources and what viewers can expect
Emma Rigby, known for her work in Hollyoaks, has been cast to portray Tracie Andrews. Channel 5 says the drama draws on a mix of first-hand accounts, police records and archive material and describes the programme as a psychological crime thriller.
For viewers in Worcestershire the piece revives memories of a case that drew intense media attention at the time and remains part of local recollection. The postponement means those who had planned to watch on the original date must wait for Channel 5 to confirm a new slot.
Key facts at a glance
- Incident: Murder of Lee Harvey in December 1996
- Original air date: 9pm, Monday 13 July (postponed)
- Broadcaster: Channel 5
- Lead actor: Emma Rigby (playing Tracie Andrews)
- Conviction sentence: Tracie Andrews served 14 years
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crime location | Alvechurch (near Marlbrook pub, Bromsgrove) |
| Programme type | One-off dramatisation / psychological crime thriller |
| Scheduling status | No date confirmed |
There has been no word from Channel 5 on when a new transmission date might be announced. Viewers and local residents with an interest in the case will be watching for an update from the broadcaster. In the meantime the programme's delay leaves a nationally produced retelling of a notorious county case in limbo.
If Channel 5 confirms a new date it is likely to be posted in the channel's schedules and on its website; local listings and streaming platform details would then follow. For now the county waits to see when the drama depicting one of Worcestershire's most talked-about criminal cases will reach televisions.
