Maxine - a new true crime drama about a woman who knew the truth... and stayed silent.
Based on real events, the true crime drama Maxine explores the investigation into teacher Maxine Carr and her fiancé Ian Huntley, who were convicted of the brutal murders of two 10-year-old schoolgirls, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. This is a story that shocked the UK and continues to stir emotions today. The premiere will air on Sunday, 14 December at 21:00 CET on Viasat True Crime, with new episodes airing every Sunday at the same time.
What is Maxine about?
The series recounts the notorious 2002 crime in Soham, Cambridgeshire, from the perspective of Maxine Carr, the woman who provided her partner with a false alibi, either unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that she was protecting a murderer. The show examines her motivations, her toxic relationship with Ian Huntley and the consequences of the lies that led to a national tragedy.
Find out when and where to watch Maxine in Poland.
The series premieres on Sunday, 14 December at 21:00 CET on Viasat True Crime. New episodes will air weekly on Sundays at 21:00 CET.
What is the series based on?
It is based on the real-life murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, two schoolgirls from Soham who went missing in August 2002. The girls were last seen walking home from a birthday party. Their bodies were found two weeks later near Lakenheath Airfield. This shocking crime became one of the largest investigations in British police history.
Who was Maxine Carr, and why did she lie?
Carr was a teaching assistant at the school attended by the murdered girls. When her partner, Ian Huntley, became a suspect, she provided him with a false alibi, claiming that they had been together on the day that Holly and Jessica disappeared. She later said that she "just wanted to protect the man she loved". The series portrays her complex psychology, showing her to be caught between loyalty, manipulation and the fear of losing love.
Who was Ian Huntley, the Soham murderer?
He worked as a school caretaker. During the investigation, he posed as a concerned resident and spoke to the media while participating in the searches for the missing girls. In reality, he had murdered both children in his own home. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003.
How did the Soham investigation unfold?
It was massive, involving over a thousand officers. The media followed every detail and broadcast photos of the missing girls across the country. As BBC News described it, it was 'the largest manhunt in British police history', marking a turning point in public perceptions of child safety in the UK.
Why did Maxine become public enemy number one?
When it emerged that she had lied to protect Huntley, she was seen as morally complicit in the tragedy. The media labelled her a 'woman without conscience', and her name became synonymous with betrayal and blind loyalty. Even after serving part of her sentence and changing her identity, she remains one of the most hated figures in British public opinion.
What emotions does Maxine evoke?
This psychological drama raises difficult questions about love, loyalty and morality. Viewers will witness how an intention to protect through lying can lead to catastrophe, and how an obsessive bond between two people can escalate into tragedy.
Who stars in Maxine?
Jemma Carlton plays Maxine Carr, while Scott Reid (Line of Duty, White House Farm) plays Ian Huntley. The series is directed by Laura Way (Blood, EastEnders) and written by Simon Tyrrell. It has been enthusiastically received by fans of fact-based dramas.
What sets Maxine apart from other true crime series?
The creators focus not just on the crime itself, but also on the moral and emotional dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The series illustrates the fine line between love and complicity, and highlights the powerful role the media can play in shaping the lives of ordinary people.
Key information about Maxine:
- Genre: True Crime Drama
- Theme: The Soham Murders: The Story of Maxine Carr and Ian Huntley
- Premiere: Sunday, 14 December at 21:00 CET
- Broadcast: New episodes will be broadcast every Sunday at 21:00 CET on Viasat True Crime.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Maxine.
When is the premiere of Maxine?
Sunday, 14 December at 21:00 CET on Viasat True Crime.
Is Maxine based on real events?
Yes. The series is inspired by the Soham murders of 2002, one of the most notorious criminal cases in UK history.
Who was Maxine Carr in real life?
She was the partner of Ian Huntley, who was a teaching assistant at the victims’ school. She was convicted of perverting the course of justice and giving false testimony.
Does the series focus on the perpetrator or the victims?
The story is mainly told from her perspective - that of a woman torn between loyalty to her partner and her moral duty to tell the truth./p>
What is the series' message?
Maxine shows that the line between love and complicity in crime can be very fine, and that even well-intentioned lies can destroy many lives.
Don't miss this gripping drama about love, loyalty and a crime that shook an entire nation. Maxine premieres on Sunday, 14 December at 21:00 CET on Viasat True Crime.
