Based on a true story, the six-part drama focuses on Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher (Martin Freeman), who breached police protocol to catch a killer, costing him his career.

Following the disappearance of 22-year-old Sian O’Callaghan in Swindon in 2011, Fulcher launched an investigation to find her, believing that someone may be holding her against her will.

Meanwhile, Karen Edwards (Imelda Staunton), who lived close to Sian’s mother, watched the investigation unfold, as it reminded her of the disappearance of her own daughter, Becky, in 2003. As the search for Sian continued, Karen feared that Becky may also be involved in the incident.

The two mothers lives became tragically intertwined when Fulcher and his team identified local taxi driver Christopher Halliwell (Joe Absolom), as their chief suspect.

“On one hand it is a brilliant piece of detective work, but in order to find both girls Fulcher felt he had to deny Halliwell his rights as a suspect,” explained award-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope, who will serve as writer and executive producer of the show. “It brings into question how we want our police to behave when someone goes missing. Should Fulcher have been praised as a courageous officer fighting for the life of a girl, or lose his career for riding rough shod over the law?”

A Confession was commissioned by Head of ITV Drama, Polly Hill who added: “It is wonderful to be working with Jeff Pope again on this compelling and important true story. I’m delighted that the brilliant Martin Freeman and Imelda Staunton are leading the cast, making this an unmissable drama for next year.”

Co-produced by Urban Myth Films and ITV Studios, the drama will be filmed in the Home Counties and Wiltshire, with Paul Andrew Williams directing all six episodes.