What does the show look at?

Three Girls is based on the true stories of victims of grooming and sexual abuse in Rochdale. It will look at the way in which these girls were groomed, how they were ignored by the authorities directly responsible for protecting them, and how they eventually made themselves heard.

Nicole Taylor, who penned the script for the show, explained that she refused to put pen to paper until she had spent time with the real people at the centre of the story.

She told the BBC: “Whatever I thought I knew about what had happened in Rochdale, I knew nothing until I met the girls and their families. Listening to them was the beginning of understanding - not just of the terrible suffering they experienced, but of the courage it took to persist and persist over years, in telling authorities who didn’t want to know, and ultimately participate in the court proceedings that brought justice.”

Why is it such an important story?

The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal has frequently been described as the “biggest child protection scandal in UK history”. Twelve men were sentenced for the crimes, 47 girls were identified as victims of child sexual exploitation, and authorities were slammed for being discriminated against white working-class girls.

A safeguarding review began in 2015 and is currently still ongoing.

Speaking about the case, Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West, told the BBC: “The Rochdale case was both groundbreaking and heartbreaking. It forced every agency to look at their ways of working afresh and the creation of the first guidance for prosecutors, police, and local authorities. The case caused seismic and long-overdue change in the way trials involving vulnerable victims were dealt with.

“At last, victims had a voice.”

Susan Hogg, head of drama, Studio Lambert, added: “This true story, researched over a number of years, will shine a light on the trauma of sexual 'grooming', providing knowledge and understanding for parents and children alike. We are so grateful for the generosity of the young women and their families in sharing their experiences.”

Who’s in it?

Maxine Peake, Lesley Sharp, Paul Kay, Lisa Riley, Jill Halfpenny, Ace Bhatti, Liv Hill, Roa Zmitrowocz, Molly Windsor, Simon Nagra, Qas Hamid, and Wasim Zakir.

How many episodes is it?

The show has been filmed as a three-part drama.

When will it be on television?

Three Girls is on at 9pm on 16, 17 and 18 May.

What channel will it be on?

BBC One.

Everything you need to know about Three Girls and the real Sara Rowbotham