According to reports, the BBC is in the early stages of developing a drama series about one of Scotland's infamous serial killers, known as Bible John. The BBC's drama division is developing the currently untitled show, with production company Buccaneer Media, previously known for the Irvine Welsh adaptation Crime, involved in the project.
Bible John is suspected of committing the murders of three women – Patricia Docker, Jemima MacDonald, and Helen Puttock – in Glasgow between 1968 and 1969. Despite various suspects being linked to the case, Bible John has never been found.
In recent years, the case has garnered significant media attention. In 2022, a BBC Sounds podcast titled Bible John: Creation of a Serial Killer was launched, and BBC Scotland had previously aired a two-part documentary titled The Hunt for Bible John. The podcast prompted a re-examination of the case by the police, and several books have been written on the subject.
BBC, having delved into true-crime dramas, previously found success with The Sixth Commandment, a drama based on the murder and attempted murder of two churchgoers in England, reported Deadline.
In recent years, other broadcasters have also produced dramas centered around real-life serial killers. An example is STV's Des, featuring David Tennant as serial killer Dennis Nilsen. The BBC refrained from commenting when approached by The National.
