Sky's Black Widow documentary tells the story of one of Britain’s most notorious female murderers

It's quite the story.
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Jim Incledon/Blast Films/Sky

True crime fans, we've got a new pick for you – Sky's Black Widow documentary recounts the true and compelling story of Dena Thompson, one of Britain's most prolific female murderers.

The story will be told in three episodes, looking at how she lured her victims in and the other crimes she committed along the way.

Here's everything we know about the Black Widow documentary.

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What is the Black Widow documentary about?

Black Widow follows the decade-long police investigation into Dena Thompson. Over 20 years, Dena who was known as ‘The Black Widow’, carried out a sustained campaign of fraud, deception, bigamy and murder. Using Lonely Hearts columns to lure a succession of husbands and dozens of lovers into her life, she was able to coerce them into giving up their life’s savings, their homes, their families and their freedom based on her bizarre but convincing stories.

“Dena was finally caught in 2003 and convicted for murder, but after 19 years behind bars, she has been released from prison, and her victims are still struggling to understand what happened to them. This 3 x 60” series includes first-hand testimony from those affected, with exclusive access to her first husband - who ended up homeless believing he was on the run from the Mafia.”

Jim Incledon/Blast Films/Sky

It sounds like quite the story.

Who is Dena Thompson?

Dena was convicted as a murderer and bigamist and was given the nickname “The Black Widow”. She was arrested in 2000 after two decades of committing crimes, and was convicted in 2003, however, she was released on parole in June 2022.

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Black Widow documentary release date

It will be available to watch on Sky from 15 September.

Black Widow trailer

Watch a taster of the chilling story below.