The Girl Who Caught a Killer, a two-part Sky Original documentary coming in 2025, features Rachael Watts telling her harrowing story for the first time on camera. As a child, she survived an attack by Russell Bishop, the man later convicted of the “Babes in the Wood” murders.
Here’s the Lowdown: The series details how Rachael, aged seven, was kidnapped, strangled, and left for dead by Bishop. This happened four years after Bishop was initially acquitted of murdering schoolgirls Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway. Rachael survived and identified Bishop, leading to his conviction for her attempted murder, though her identity was protected. Decades later, advancements in forensic science and changes in double jeopardy laws allowed for Bishop’s re-trial and conviction for the original murders, partly due to evidence related to Rachael’s attack.
What This Means Now: After thirty years, Rachael shares her experience, the lasting trauma, and her significant role in finally bringing a double murderer to justice. The documentary includes accounts from Nicola Fellows’ family members about their long fight, alongside police detectives and witnesses.
The Bigger Picture: Using previously unreleased police footage and photos, the series provides deep insight into one of Britain’s most infamous crime sagas. It highlights the long-term effects on survivors and victims’ families, the perseverance required to achieve justice against legal obstacles, and how the testimony of one young girl ultimately proved crucial decades later. The Girl Who Caught a Killer airs on Sky Documentaries and NOW in 2025.
