The BBC podcast Blood on the Dance Floor, which explores the murder of Darren Bradshaw, a gay Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officer, has earned gold in the True Crime category and secured the title of Best Documentary at the British Podcast Awards in London.

The series, released last year, examines Bradshaw’s life, his brutal murder, and its lasting impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and Northern Ireland’s history.

At just 24 years old, Darren Bradshaw was shot dead in 1997 by members of the republican paramilitary group, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA). The killing occurred in front of hundreds of witnesses at The Parliament, Belfast’s only gay bar at the time. 

Despite the INLA claiming responsibility, no one has ever been convicted for the murder. Bradshaw’s death occurred at a critical moment, as Northern Ireland was in the midst of the peace process, and the gay community was beginning to establish a more visible presence.

Hosted by Jordan Dunbar, a former Belfast comedian and drag artist turned BBC journalist, the award-winning podcast not only investigates the crime but also highlights what it was like to be gay in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The series has been praised for its portrayal of both the LGBTQ+ experience and the broader socio-political landscape of the time.

“Thing is people think they can silence us, they can make us be quiet. But we’re from Belfast we just shout louder” – Trudy Scrumptious.
So unbelievably proud to have had this #belfast takeover at the @britpodawards last night. pic.twitter.com/BDLGB3LMgs

— Jordan Dunbar (@JordanDunbar10) September 27, 2024

Following the podcast’s success at the awards ceremony, Dunbar shared a quote from Belfast drag queen Trudy Scrumptious on social media: “Thing is, people think they can silence us, they can make us be quiet. But we’re from Belfast, we just shout louder.”

Earlier this year, it was announced that Blood on the Dance Floor would be adapted into a television documentary for BBC Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer, further cementing its impact. The series continues to shed light on a tragic event that shaped the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland and offers itself as a reminder of the challenges faced during the Troubles.