Viewers were left absolutely heartbroken by Damilola, Our Loved Boy

Viewers were left in tears last night thanks to BBC1 drama Damilola, Our Loved Boy.

The reconstruction of the story of Damilola Taylor – the 10-year-old who was stabbed with a broken bottle in Peckham sixteen years ago – and his father Richard’s fight for justice was an emotional rollercoaster for viewers.

Many were moved to tears by the real-life story it portrayed…

I've never cried so much watching a TV programme, my heart breaks for Damilola's family ?? #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— roberta (@robertahenriqs) November 7, 2016

Watching #DamilolaOurLovedBoy broke my heart???? cried over&over again..don't understand how people can do that to someone so young????

— Ellie (@elliebells__) November 7, 2016

John Boyega – who knew Damilola as a young boy in Peckham – tweeted his support of the programme.

Great to hear that Damilola Taylor's story was told well. There wasn't a dull moment in his presence.

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) November 8, 2016

Thank God for the poem he wrote because that inspired me. Will never forget the memories…I did it brother. Thank you ❤️

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) November 8, 2016

Some, such as Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, said it was important to remember the tragedy.

A story that should never be forgotten.. absolutely heartbreaking ????leigh x #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— Little Mix (@LittleMix) November 7, 2016

This should be shown in all schools across the country. Well done to the @BBCOne #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— CRD (@bossgal1971) November 7, 2016

Good on BBC to actually show something so long ago but still meaningful today! Gone but not forgotten ? #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— Ali (@DrakesWriter1) November 7, 2016

Again on behalf of us black people, thank you to the @BBCONE For helping share #DamilolaOurLovedBoy #Damilola story to the world. @DTTlondon pic.twitter.com/Bn3IevMFvZ

— D.Edwards (@Aikesldn) November 7, 2016

Finally BBC portraying black British culture in a positive light to show such a horrible story to happen ??#DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— Jacqueline (@Jacqsx) November 7, 2016

Damilola's death will never make sense… But the BBC did well in acknowledging him and portraying his story #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— Lolly (@visualsbylolly) November 7, 2016

Others praised a prized performance from all on screen.

Superb acting from the whole cast of #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

Babou Ceesay, Sammy, @JuwonAdedokunE & @wunmo
????Brilliantly portrayed.Well done!????

— Jahméne (@Jahmene) November 7, 2016

Well done little Sammy Kamara who portrayed Damilola Taylor here with Richard Taylor @BBCOne #DamilolaOurLovedBoy pic.twitter.com/VovTX9U13G

— Angie Greaves (@AngieGreaves) November 7, 2016

And more applauded the BBC for airing a crime drama focusing on the human rather than the procedural side of such a crime.

What powerful bit of TV #DamilolaOurLovedBoy was.
Tenderly portrayed & I loved how they focussed on family & not forensics.

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) November 7, 2016

But despite its gritty subject matter, many saw a final message of hope in Damilola.

If this has taught me anything, it taught me strength, patience, prayer and FORGIVENESS are all essential. #DamilolaOurLovedBoy

— Hannah Taylor (@MsHannahTaylor) November 7, 2016