Murders That Shocked the Nation: Jack the Ripper

Fred Dinenage investigates the enduring intrigue surrounding Jack the Ripper, the unidentified murderer who killed five women in Whitechapel, London, in 1888 and was never apprehended. The programme delves into why the mystery continues to fascinate a wide audience today.

Jack the Ripper is an episode‑type programme that centres on one of the most infamous criminal investigations in British history. The title alone signals that the broadcast will concentrate on the series of murders that have become synonymous with the name. It is structured as a single instalment rather than a multi‑part series. The episode is presented by Fred Dinenage, who guides the audience through the enduring intrigue surrounding the case. Dinenage examines why the story still captures public imagination, looking at the elements that keep the mystery alive after more than a century. His narration provides a clear pathway through the facts that are known. The core of the programme recounts the killings of five women in Whitechapel, a district of London, in 1888. It outlines how the victims were targeted and the impact the murders had on the local community at the time. By focusing on these specific incidents, the episode highlights the scale of the tragedy. Despite extensive investigations, the perpetrator was never apprehended, leaving the case permanently open. The broadcast reflects on this unresolved outcome, suggesting it contributes to the lasting fascination. By revisiting the unsolved nature of the crimes, the programme underscores why Jack the Ripper remains a subject of continual interest.