A new TV drama exploring the ‘chilling’ murder in a Buckinghamshire village has premiered on BBC.

The four-part true crime drama The Sixth Commandment tells the complex story leading to the deaths of Peter Farquhar and Ann Moore-Martin in the village of Maids Moreton.

Starring Timothy Spall as Peter and Anne Reid as Ann, the drama written by Sarah Phelps explores how they were manipulated and gaslighted by a student named Ben Field (starring Éanna Hardwicke).

Peter's and Ann's deaths eventually led to the unravelling of Ben's deceitful ploy targeting the two pensioners with devastating consequences. 

However, the drama also shows Peter and Ann as cherished mentors and as adored friends to their loved ones. 

Timothy Spall said: “When I received Sarah Phelps’ brilliant scripts, I knew this was an essential story to tell. I am honoured to be playing the remarkable Peter Farquhar and hope I do him justice, which is the very least he deserves.”

Anne Reid said she found the story “extremely disturbing”. She said she felt “a great sense of responsibility in portraying this good, kind, trusting woman, Ann, who was so cruelly deceived.”

The writer and executive producer Sarah said: “I wouldn’t have been able to write this without the help, support and insights of Peter and Ann’s families.

“I’m so appreciative of the trust they placed in me to tell the stories of their loved ones. I’m thrilled that we have such an astonishing cast and phenomenal team of creatives, led by our director Saul Dibb, to bring my scripts to life.”

READ MORE: Marlow High Street to close to allow for film crews

The following part includes details of the deaths, which form part of the drama’s plot

Ben’s manipulation of university lecturer Peter drove his victim to think he was losing his mind before Peter was murdered by the man in 2015, who had his eyes set on Peter’s wealth.

Ben’s scheme came to light only after he began targeting Peter’s neighbour Ann. He manipulated the deeply religious retired headteacher by writing messages on her mirrors purporting them to be from God.

Ann died in May 2017 from natural causes. 

During his murder trial in 2019, Ben admitted his fraudulent relationships with the two pensioners to get them to change their wills for him.

The court heard how Ben secretly gave Peter drugs and spiked his whisky, hoping that the eventual death of the 69-year-old would look like a suicide or an accident.

The Sixth Commandment is now available on iPlayer.