Trigger Warning: This article mentions death and suicide and may be distressing to some readers.
Over the past week, Australian news has seen an endless stream of information surrounding Sydney con-artist Melissa Caddick’s death.
In a case that has been equal parts captivating, perplexing and upsetting, Caddick—who posed as a financial planner—vanished without a trace while she was being actively investigated for stealing millions of dollars from her investors. However, months later, her remains have been found on beaches down the New South Wales coast, hundreds of kilometres from her eastern suburbs home.
But less than a week after the grim discovery, Channel Nine has already decided to get the ball rolling for a TV series adaptation on her life and death.
Greenlit by Channel Nine, and in partnership with streaming service Stan, the news was confirmed by Nine’s Head of Drama, Andy Ryan, in a statement released to The Australian, which read:
“Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, and the mystery of Melissa Caddick’s disappearance and the missing millions has all the elements of a gripping crime thriller as well as a moving personal tragedy. We’ve been working on this story as a joint Nine/Stan drama production for several months, and the more we learn the more intriguing the story becomes. But it’s also important for us to approach this story with great sensitivity to the victims and family members who have been impacted by recent events.”
And while it feels too soon to turn the recent death of a suspected con-artist into a drama series, there are already rumours that two A-list Australian actors—Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths—have been named as potential options to play Caddick.
Not much else is known about the upcoming series, but it will likely cover the crimes of which she was accused of at the time of her death. It is believed that she stole upwards of $20 million from her family and friends after convincing them to invest money with her.
The perplexing case has fascinated the Australian public, thanks to it having “all the makings of an exceptional mystery, which is far from over,” according to former NSW Police officer Duncan McNab, per ABC News.
“It’s set in Sydney’s east, with a lot of wealthy investors, and Caddick was seemingly living the lifestyle of the rich and famous,” he said. “Jets, Aspen ski lodges, Christian Dior shoes… absolutely every trapping of wealth about it. Then suddenly she disappears right in the middle of an ASIC investigation. Just evaporates.”
Right before her disappearance, her home was searched in order to find evidence that may prove the accusations. But the day after she disappeared, investigators rifled through countless hours of CCTV footage in the hopes of finding her, however no evidence turned up.
“We’ve been keeping an open mind all along… but given the fact she left personal belongings [behind], we’ve always considered the possibility she may have taken her own life,” Assistant Commissioner Michael Willing told reporters on February 26, according to News.com.au.
Currently, the investigation is still very much underway with police not ruling out foul play or suicide as the reason for Caddick’s death.
Channel Nine are yet to confirm when production on the series will begin and the above casting rumours are also yet to be confirmed, be sure to stay tuned for further details.
If you or someone you know needs help you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyondblue 1300 224 636.
