The true crime drama explores the death of Peter Farquhar in the Buckinghamshire village of Maids Moreton, and the remarkable events that followed over the next three years.

The series will follow the story of the seeming friendship between the teacher Peter Farquhar and a charismatic young student, Ben Field, which turned into one of the most complex murder cases in recent history.

The Sixth Commandment will also explore Fields relationship with Farquhar’s neighbour, a deeply religious elderly woman named Anne Moore-Martin, which raised the initial suspicions against him and led to a series of shocking revelations.

Looking at the extreme gaslighting and initial seductions which caused Farquhar to repeatedly change his will, the series will depict the thrilling police investigation which brought Peter’s killer to justice four years after his death.

The series will also shine a light on the damaging effects of loneliness and isolation, while celebrating the lives of Peter and Ann, who were cherished mentors among their community of admiring friends and relatives.

Sarah Phelps, writer and executive producer, commented: “This is such a shocking and brutal case; how a murderer hid his manipulation and malevolence in plain sight of a small community, how he insinuated his way into the lives of his victims.

“It’s a heartbreaking story of such desperate longing and loneliness but even within the darkness, there is the most astonishing blazing love and courage. I’m honoured to have been asked to write this drama and to be trusted with the memories and experiences of Peter and Ann’s families.”