BBC Drama

Damilola, Our Loved Boy (2016x9)

Air date: Nov 07, 2016

The shocking death of ten-year-old Damilola Taylor in 2000 saw an innocent schoolboy lose his life on the streets of London. In front of the world's media, his parents embarked on a gruelling path to find justice - but behind closed doors, how could their love survive such private grief? This feature-length drama reveals the personal story behind the headlines, immersing us in Damilola's world, exploring his journey from Lagos to London and looking his family's quest for justice. Told primarily from the point of view of Damilola's father, Richard Taylor OBE, this is a surprising, intimate and deeply moving story of fatherhood, family and hope. We meet Richard and Gloria Taylor with their three children in their home in Nigeria. Eldest daughter Gbemi suffers from severe epilepsy, but having been born in London, she's entitled to life-saving treatment on the NHS. When Richard is refused leave from work to accompany Gbemi, he reluctantly agrees that Gloria should travel to the UK with their two eldest children. Ten-year-old Damilola, the only member of the family who has never been to the UK, appeals to his father to be allowed to go with them. Out of love for his youngest boy, Richard relents. Damilola is overjoyed. When Gbemi is taken ill and admitted to hospital during a family visit to Peckham, Gloria and her children relocate to their auntie's small council flat. Gbemi receives treatment, Tunde gets a job, and Damilola begins school. He loves his new life in London. Everything changes one November night when Gloria discovers Damilola has not returned home. Tunde rushes to his mother's side and makes a fateful call to his father back in Lagos. Richard learns from his eldest son that their beloved boy, Damilola, is dead. Richard's journey to London, the emotional repercussions of his son's death and the family's quest for justice unfold against a backdrop of national interest and private grief. Can a father find purpose again when the world denies him justice? C