(Image: Title Role Productions)
What happened to John Sweeney's only surviving victim Delia Balmer?
by Katie Palmer · Manchester Evening News'Until I Kill You,' ITV's gripping new drama, depicts the harrowing true-life tale of Delia Balmer, an ex-agency nurse, and her brush with death at the hands of axe murderer John Sweeney.
Their story began when they met in a London bar, sparking a relationship that took a dark turn as Delia, unaware of his past, welcomed Sweeney into her home.
The nightmare escalated in 1994 when Sweeney bound Delia to her bed and held her at gunpoint and knifepoint, refusing to let her end their tumultuous affair.
In a horrific repeated assault after defying police warnings, Sweeney lunged at her with an axe right outside her home, leaving her with severe, long-lasting injuries.
(Image: ITV)
Despite surviving the gruesome attack, Delia was left with scars both physical and psychological, the healing from which demanded years of resilience, reports the Mirror.
Yet, she refused to be undone by the atrocious assault and subsequent years of suffering; today, Delia is rekindling old passions.
Delia now thrives as a therapeutic masseuse, indulging in her love for dance and exploration whenever possible, including a recent escapade to South Africa in 2023.
Her journey also inspired a book titled 'Living With A Serial Killer,' an intense recount of her perilous life with Sweeney.
In developing 'Until I Kill You,' Delia was heavily involved, having met with lead actress Anna Maxwell Martin upon the completion of the shoot.
The series creator Nick Stevens also developed a profound connection with Delia. He shared with The Guardian: "She's a different person to the one I met two or three years ago," pointing out the transformation he's witnessed, with regular meals out with her and his wife cementing their friendship.
(Image: Delia Balmer)
"It seems to have been a positive for her. You might expect someone who has been through all that to be tearful with moments of gloomy introspection. But there's none of that."
He further exposed how Delia continues to sleep in the bed Sweeney crafted for her the very one she was restrained on for four days.
"I can't be sure how she processes all this. But I'm certain she's in a better place than she was," he disclosed.
Until I Kill You airs on ITV from November 3