Fictional detective to make comeback after 16 years
BBC1 has acquired the upcoming contemporary update of the Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
It is the second time George’s novels have been adapted for TV. The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, which starred Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small, ran for six series on BBC1 before being axed in 2007.
The 4 x 90-minute Lynley, produced by Wolf Hall indie Playground, was originally commissioned by BritBox US in association with the BBC. It follows aristocratic police detective Tommy Lynley and his partner Barbara Havers, a sergeant with a working-class background. The mismatched duo become a formidable team as they solve a range of crimes.
The series, which is in production in Ireland, stars Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla) and Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso) as the unconventional detective duo, with Daniel Mays (Magpie Murders), Niamh Walsh (The English Game), Michael Workeye (My Lady Jane) and Joshua Sher (Vera).
The drama is created and written by Steve Thompson (Vienna Blood), with lead director Ed Bazalgette (Marie Antoinette), and series producer Suzanne McAuley (Magpie Murders). The executive producers are Thompson, David Stern and Colin Callender for Playground, Robert Schildhouse, Stephen Nye, Jon Farrar and Jess O’ Riordan for BritBox, Kate Woods for BBC Studios and Sue Deeks for the BBC.
George said: “I’m thrilled to see Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers come to television again, especially through the participation of the BBC and Britbox and the production expertise of Playground. Watching my characters brought to life on television is a real celebration.”
Thompson added: “It’s a privilege and a thrill to have the opportunity to adapt these wonderful books for television. Elizabeth George’s iconic characters are greatly loved, and her gripping stories are smart and ingenious.”
Head of BBC programme acquisition Sue Deeks added: “There is so much to enjoy in this new and exciting adaptation, both for fans of Elizabeth George’s gripping novels and of the BBC’s iconic The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, and for viewers yet to encounter the magnetic attraction of Lynley.”
The drama will be distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
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