In February 2008, nine-year-old Shannon Matthews is reported missing. A frantic search quickly becomes a murder inquiry. Led by Julie Bushby, the community rallies around Shannon's grief-stricken mother Karen, determined to find her daughter and show that, although she's from a poor background, Shannon's life is as important as any other. As hope fades and doubts about Karen arise, Shannon is found — with a man her mother knows. Who is this man, and what is his connection to Karen?
Sheridan Smith
Julie Bushby
Gemma Whelan
Karen Matthews
Siobhan Finneran
DC Christine Freeman
Sian Brooke
Natalie Brown
Steve Oram
DC Alex Grummit
Dean Andrews
PC Steve 'Kinchie' Kinchin
Darren Connolly
Neil Hyett
Cody Ryan
Tiffany Bushby
Sam Chapman
Michael Donovan
John Dagleish
'Scouse' Pete Brown
