Viewers were left absolutely heartbroken by Damilola, Our Loved Boy
The real life story of Damilola Taylor was turned into a tear-jerking drama by the BBC

Published:
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