BBC One set to release new drama about murdered Anthony Walker

The BBC is set to release a new drama called Anthony, based on the real life story of Anthony Walker who was murdered in a racist attack when he was aged 18. 

Anthony was a Liverpool teenager with a devout Christian faith and a love of basketball. 

Known to his family and friends for his humour, intelligence and compassion, he was halfway through college with dreams of visiting America and studying Law at university.

On 29th July 2005 in Huyton, Merseyside, Anthony was murdered in a racist attack and the programme, entitled Anthony, by multi-Bafta winner Jimmy McGovern, is the story of the life he could have lived.

He was slain with an ice axe after he walked away from thugs shouting racist abuse in Huyton, Merseyside, in 2005. 

Paul Taylor, 20, was sentenced to at least 23 years in jail – he is the cousin of Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.

Michael Barton, the brother of Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, was sentenced to 17 years and eight months years for the murder.

The series is inspired by conversations with Gee Walker, Anthony’s mother, about the boy Anthony was and the man he was to become.

Anthony will be played by Toheeb Jimoh (The Power, Ted Lasso), and Rakie Ayola (Shetland, Noughts + Crosses) will portray his mother. 

Gee said: ‘I went to Jimmy because I couldn’t think of anyone more suited who could depict, highlight and draw attention to the hard messages of a life not lived.

‘Anthony’s unfilled dreams, his potentials and the many lives he would have impacted on – which now will never be realised.’

Jimmy McGovern added: ‘I’d known Gee Walker for many years and every time I had needed to write about loss or grief I had gone to her and she had always been generous with her time and her profound wisdom. 

‘But one day SHE came to ME and asked me to write about her beloved Anthony. I said, “Gee, if you’re asking such a thing, I feel I have a God-given duty to do it.” And so I did it.’ 

Toheeb Jimoh, who plays Anthony Walker, also said: ‘Anthony’s story is a painfully tragic one but it’s also full of hope, joy, promise and love. 

‘Jimmy’s script captures that perfectly. I hope this film will serve as a tribute to Anthony and I feel truly honoured to have been asked to play him.’

And Rakie Ayola, who plays Gee Walker, said: ‘I’m so grateful we’ve been able to shine a light on Anthony Walker’s story with the blessing and generosity of his mother Gee Walker.’

Anthony was filmed in and around Liverpool, and will air on BBC One. 

This is the sixth collaboration between LA Productions, Jimmy McGovern and BBC One, following award winning success with Care, Broken, Reg, Common, and ten series of BBC Daytime’s Moving On.