Who Is Ellen Roome? The Campaigner Helping Inspire ITV’s New Online Safety Drama

ITV’s newly announced drama about online safety and accountability has already attracted significant attention, but at the heart of the project is a woman whose campaign has become known far beyond her home town of Cheltenham.

Ellen Roome MBE will act as a consultant on the forthcoming ITV drama, working closely with acclaimed writer and producer Jeff Pope and the team at Etta Pictures as they bring the story to the screen.

The drama has been inspired by Ellen’s experiences and those of other families around the world who have campaigned for greater online safety and transparency.

For many people hearing her name for the first time following ITV’s announcement, the question is simple: who is Ellen Roome, and why has her story inspired a major television drama?

A Campaign Born From A Search For Answers

Ellen’s campaign began following the death of her son, Julian “Jools” Sweeney, in 2022.

In the years since, she has spoken publicly about her desire to better understand the circumstances surrounding her son’s death and has campaigned for parents to have greater access to children’s social media data after their death.

Her efforts have helped bring national attention to wider questions surrounding online safety, transparency and the challenges families can face when seeking answers.

The campaign has resonated with many parents, particularly as social media continues to play an increasingly significant role in the lives of young people.

Recognition For Her Work

Ellen’s campaigning has not gone unnoticed.

She was appointed an MBE in recognition of her work, becoming one of the most prominent voices calling for reforms designed to help bereaved families access information they believe may help them understand what happened to their loved ones.

Her campaign has generated discussion across politics, policing, technology and the media, helping to raise awareness of the challenges faced by families in similar situations.

While her personal story remains at the centre of her work, Ellen has consistently spoken about the wider goal of helping other families and improving protections for children online.

ITV And Jeff Pope Bring The Story To Television

According to ITV, Jeff Pope became interested in the project after meeting executive producer Lauren Cowell, who had been working with Ellen.

The broadcaster has commissioned a drama examining the impact of social media on children and the extent to which technology companies can avoid responsibility and scrutiny.

Ellen will work directly with the production team as a consultant throughout development.

Speaking in ITV’s announcement, she said she felt reassured that both ITV and Jeff Pope would tell the story with the care and sensitivity it deserves.

“The fact that ITV and Jeff Pope are committed to this drama has genuinely given me a huge sense of hope and reassurance,” she said.

Why Her Story Resonated With ITV

ITV Director of Drama Polly Hill described the project as an important story about a mother searching for answers.

The broadcaster has a long history of producing dramas inspired by real events and real people, often focusing on issues that generate wider public debate.

Ellen’s story touches on questions many parents continue to ask about online safety, accountability and the role social media plays in modern life.

Those themes are expected to form the foundation of the forthcoming drama.

Looking Ahead

Casting details and a transmission date have not yet been announced.

However, ITV’s decision to place Ellen at the centre of the development process suggests the broadcaster is determined to ensure the project reflects the experiences of those whose lives have been affected by the issues it explores.

For Ellen, the drama represents another chapter in a campaign that has already reached Parliament, the media and the wider public conversation.

Soon, it will also reach television audiences across the UK.