Maxine Peake is set to star as the leading role in the ITV drama Anne, which will air in 2022.

The award-winning actress will play the role of Anne Williams, a mother who dedicated her life to campaigning for justice following her 15-year-old son Kevin’s tragic death at Hillsborough in 1989.

Anne has been produced by World Productions, who made critically-acclaimed shows such as The Pembrokeshire Murders, Vigil and Line of Duty.

The drama was filmed on location in and around Liverpool and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Bruce Goodison.

Alongside Peake the likes of Stephen Walters, Lily Shepherd, Bobby Schofield and Clare Calbraith will star.

Speaking about her role as Anne Williams, Maxine said: “Anne Williams was an extraordinary woman who spent half her life campaigning for the truth of her son’s death and the other 95 victims who were unlawfully killed at Hillsborough. 

"Anne and her family’s story really is inspirational. She was a magnificent role model. Her fearlessness and drive to take on the British Establishment is mind blowing.

"I hope we can go some way to bringing the story of Anne, the families, victims and survivors of Hillsborough to an even wider audience.”

On commissioning the drama Polly Hill said: “This drama is dedicated to Anne Williams and her diligent and tireless campaign for truth and justice. 

"She was an inspiration and I am so proud that ITV can tell her story and tell it so powerfully thanks to World Productions and this incredible team, with a special thanks to Maxine Peake for her phenomenal performance as Anne.”

The series has been developed with the support of Anne’s daughter, Sara, who was aged 9 when her brother died. Sara has carried on her Mum’s work and has assisted Kevin in the writing process.

Sara Williams said: “I thought very carefully before deciding to go ahead with the ITV drama, Anne.

"Mum’s story was such a powerful and inspiring one, and we all remember how important she felt it was to get the message out there and bang the drum for justice.

"Over the years there has been a number of expressions of interest in dramatising her story, but the key factor for me was the involvement of people I knew personally, and who also have a deep understanding of Hillsborough, our story and all the elements around that.

"I am excited, as well as a little bit scared, for viewers to see my mum's story, but I just felt it was the right thing to do. Alongside some very talented people, we have given everything to ensure we produce a series that does justice to my mum, our Kev, the 97 and everyone involved with Hillsborough," she added.