Will Mellor: Post Office boss handing in CBE is first step

Actor Will Mellor has expressed his support for the decision made by former Post Office chief Paula Vennells to return her CBE, calling it a "first step" towards seeking justice for wrongly convicted subpostmasters.

Mellor, who played subpostmaster Lee Castleton in ITV's "Mr Bates Vs The Post Office," applauded the attention the drama has brought to the struggles faced by those ensnared in the faulty accounting software debacle.

In portraying Castleton, Mellor shed light on the real-life hardships faced by individuals like him, who sought assistance for unexplained financial losses before being embroiled in legal battles with the Post Office, leading some to bankruptcy.

Reflecting on the overwhelming public response to the series, Mellor emphasized how witnessing the subpostmasters' hardships evoked strong emotions and a collective call for justice. He stressed the importance of accountability and just compensation for the victims, highlighting the severe toll the ordeal took on their lives, mental health, and families.

With over 1.2 million signatures on a petition demanding Vennells' honor revocation, Mellor emphasized that an apology alone is insufficient. He urged for concrete action, including overturning convictions and rightful compensation.

Moreover, Mellor urged other affected subpostmasters to step forward and thanked supporters for their backing, noting the show's role in amplifying the voices of those impacted by the scandal.