ITV Commissions Powerful New Drama Inspired By Families Campaigning For Online Safety

ITV has announced a major new drama from acclaimed writer and producer Jeff Pope, bringing one of the most important conversations facing families today to television audiences across the UK.

Inspired by the experiences of campaigners seeking greater online safety for children, the new drama will explore the impact of social media, the search for answers following tragedy, and the wider questions surrounding accountability in the digital age.

Produced by Jeff Pope’s Etta Pictures, part of ITV Studios, the project follows the inspirational story of Ellen Roome MBE and other families around the world who have campaigned tirelessly for stronger protections for children online.

In a move that underlines ITV’s commitment to authenticity and sensitivity, Ellen will act as a consultant on the drama and will work alongside Pope and his team throughout the writing process

ITV Tackles One Of The Biggest Issues Facing Modern Families

The broadcaster says the drama will depict the global impact of social media on children while examining the extent to which technology companies can evade responsibility and scrutiny.

At a time when online safety continues to dominate public debate, ITV’s decision to commission the project highlights the broadcaster’s long-standing commitment to producing dramas that tackle important real-life issues and encourage meaningful conversation.

Announcing the drama, ITV Director of Drama Polly Hill described the project as an urgent and important story.

She said:

“This is an incredibly important story for us to tell of a mother who has tragically lost her son and is fighting the social media giants for answers. It’s an urgent campaigning story and the most challenging issue we all face is how to keep our children safe on social media.”

The commission adds to ITV’s reputation for bringing complex and thought-provoking real-life stories to the screen, often shining a spotlight on issues that resonate with audiences far beyond the drama itself.

Jeff Pope Says Parents Are Asking Difficult Questions

Few television writers have built a stronger reputation for telling sensitive real-life stories than Jeff Pope.

His previous work includes Philomena, Little Boy Blue, A Confession, The Walk-In, Archie, Mrs Biggs and Cilla, productions that have earned widespread praise for their emotional depth and careful handling of difficult subjects.

Speaking about the new drama, Pope said:

“Ellen’s story is tragic and inspiring in equal measure. I think we are at a point in history when every parent is starting to ask questions about social media and what it is doing to our children. It’s appalling that parents aren’t given the information they need in the quest for answers about what has happened to their children.”

By partnering with one of Britain’s most respected drama producers and involving those directly affected by the issues explored in the series, ITV is aiming to tell the story with both care and authenticity.

Ellen Roome Welcomes ITV’s Commitment To The Project

Ellen Roome welcomed ITV’s decision to tell the story and praised the care being shown throughout the development process.

She said:

“The fact that ITV and Jeff Pope are committed to this drama has genuinely given me a huge sense of hope and reassurance. I truly feel they will not only tell my story, but most importantly Jools’ story, with the care, sensitivity and integrity it deserves.”

Ellen added:

“What happened to Jools changed my life forever, but if telling his story can help protect other children and make people truly understand the reality of what families are facing, then I know there is purpose in doing this.”

The decision to involve Ellen directly as a consultant reflects ITV’s desire to ensure the project is informed by lived experience, helping to bring a deeply personal perspective to the screen.

Executive Producer Lauren Cowell Calls It An Essential Story

Executive producer Lauren Cowell, who first brought the project to ITV, said the drama is about much more than social media alone.

She described Ellen’s story as one of the most powerful she has encountered and praised the families who have continued campaigning for change despite unimaginable loss.

Cowell said:

“At its heart, it is a story about love, loss, truth, accountability and the desperate urgency to protect children. I hope it moves people, challenges people and starts conversations that cannot be ignored any longer.”

She also thanked ITV, Jeff Pope and Etta Pictures for embracing what she described as a project of enormous importance.

ITV Continues Its Tradition Of Powerful Real-Life Drama

ITV has a long history of commissioning dramas inspired by real events and real people, often tackling subjects that spark national conversation.

With Jeff Pope attached, Ellen Roome playing an active role in development and a story centred on one of the biggest challenges facing families today, the broadcaster’s latest commission looks set to continue that tradition.

While casting details and a transmission date have yet to be announced, the project already stands out as a significant addition to ITV’s future drama slate, combining a deeply personal story with a wider conversation about online safety, accountability and protecting children in an increasingly digital world.

Further details are expected to be announced by ITV in due course.

Source: ITV press release, July 2026.