The Long Shadow: Son of Wilma McCann speaks out on ITV drama

The Long Shadow, a seven-part series telling the story of one of the country’s biggest manhunts, premiered on ITV on Monday night.

Bingley-born Sutcliffe, who lived in Heaton at the time of committing his crimes, murdered 13 women and attempted to kill seven others between 1975 and 1980.

Episode one focussed on the killer's first two murder victims - Wilma McCann and Emily Jackson.

Wilma McCann (Image: Newsquest)

Richard McCann, son of 28-year-old Wilma, watched the series three months ago but felt "nervous" before its opening to the masses.

"I found it so moving watching it last night. It is a really powerful piece," McCann told Good Morning Britain (GMB). 

"I cried this time because the public got to see my loving mum.

"Over the years, she was always described as a prostitute.

"For the first time, the negativity applied to her has been readdressed.

"They have done a fantastic job in putting that right."

Sydney Jackson, Emily's husband, is also portrayed in The Long Shadow (Image: ITV)The first instalment of The Long Shadow shows DCS Dennis Hoban, in charge of the investigation, telling McCann and his three siblings the terrible news.

It also portrays Jackson, played by ex-Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly, turning to prostitution to fund her family's Christmas.

Actress Katherine Kelly plays Emily Jackson (Image: ITV)Former lorry driver Sutcliffe died in hospital aged 74 from diabetes-related complications, while in prison custody in 2020.

On how he reacted to the news, McCann told GMB: "I didn't celebrate (his death).

"All I know is the next day, things felt different.

"It was like something had been released. Something beautiful somehow."

Richard McCann (Image: Newsquest)The Leeds man also talked about how he and his sister, who sadly took her own life in 2007, had once plotted revenge against Sutcliffe.

Forgiveness had since overwhelmed McCann after a meeting with human rights activist Desmond Tutu. 

"I did (hate his soul)", he told the ITV programme.

"Me and Sonia (his sister) plotted revenge. She was going to write to him, befriend him, and go visit him and kill him. That is how we thought all those years ago.

"I have been on a bit of a journey over the last 48 years. I let go of the anger and need for revenge in 2010 when I met Desmond Tutu who spoke about forgiveness.

"I forgave him. I thought I can't change my mum's death, I can't bring her back but I can change how it impacts on me."

The Long Shadow continues on ITV next Monday (October 2) at 9pm.