The real story behind The Staircase and popular Netflix documentary

The eight-part dramatisation of hit Netflix documentary of the same name, The Staircase, is now showing on Sky Atlantic. Based on an incredible true story, it stars Oscar winner Colin Firth in the lead role as Michael Peterson, the writer and former mayoral candidate, while Toni Collette plays his wife Kathleen Peterson.

A case which saw twists unravel and revelations unveiled, Mr Peterson was ultimately convicted of his wife's murder after finding her at the bottom of the family home's stairs. The trial became a media phenomenon and the true story includes jaw-dropping revelations from the defence to conviction.

Capturing the public's imagination, many still believe Michael Peterson is innocent, while others argue for his guilt. The series is set to reignite the debate, five years after he walked free.

Read more:The Staircase full cast, release date and plot as Sky Atlantic murder drama premieres

In 2001, Mr Peterson called 911 to report he had found his wife unconscious on the stairs at their home in Durham, North Carolina, stating he had been beside the family's pool and came in at 2.40am. An autopsy report found that Kathleen had sustained a matrix of severe injuries, including a fracture of the superior cornu of the left thyroid cartilage and seven lacerations to the top and back of her head, consistent with blows from a blunt object.

It concluded she had died from blood loss ninety minutes to two hours after sustaining the injuries. Kathleen's daughter from a previous relationship, Caitlin, and Kathleen's sister, Candace Zamperini, both initially supported Mr Peterson's version of events despite not being there. However, on learning of his bisexuality during the trial, they sided with the prosecution.

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