Award winning writer Lynda La Plante launches a major new female detective in a gripping crime thriller for ITV1, Above Suspicion.
Based on her best selling novel, the two-part drama introduces DC Anna Travis, a young and ambitious officer who is fast-tracking her way through the ranks, eager to prove herself to be as successful as her late father.
Kelly Reilly (He Kills Coppers, Joe’s Palace, Eden Lake, Mrs Henderson Presents) plays Lynda La Plante’s new heroine. Acclaimed actor Ciaran Hinds (There Will Be Blood, Margot at the Wedding, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Prime Suspect) stars as her boss, the volatile Detective Chief Inspector Langton.
Anna Travis has been assigned to her first murder case – a gruesome series of killings that has shocked even the most hardened of detectives. The murders started eight years ago, and now the body count is up to six. The method of killing is identical, and the victims are all drug-users and prostitutes.
Then a seventh body is found. The modus operandi is the same, but the victim is a young student.
Determined to earn recognition from her boss, the brusque Detective Chief Inspector Langton, and the respect of her male colleagues, Anna works hard to find a vital piece of information which links one man to the murders.
The suspect is a much-loved actor on the brink of international stardom. His arrest would create media frenzy. But if he is found innocent Anna’s hard fought for reputation would be destroyed.
The two-hour drama is being filmed in London in July, for transmission later this year.
Above Suspicion is made by La Plante Productions for ITV1. The drama is produced by Lynda La Plante and Jolyon Symonds (Trial and Retribution, Hustle, Whatever Love Means, Kevin and Perry Go Large), and directed by Chris Menaul (See No Evil:The Moors Murders, State of Mind, Prime Suspect). Executive Producer is Liz Thorburn.
Lynda La Plante is the creator and writer of a string of critically acclaimed and ratings winning crime dramas including Prime Suspect, Widows, The Governor, The Commander and Trial and Retribution.
Lynda says:
“It is very exciting, this is the first time that one of my books has been adapted for the UK screen and I am thrilled. In creating Anna Travis, a young Detective Constable just out of training, I can explore what it is like for a young Detective, to face their first murder inquiry, the emotion that comes with that as well the pressure and intrigue of the investigation.”
“Kelly Reilly for me was so right for this role, she not only embodies the character with her red hair and striking looks, but more than that, she brings her own experience of being the daughter of a policeman. It is that understanding and shared experience that will help her bring Anna to life on the screen.”
“I have always been enamoured of Ciaran Hinds the actor. He brings a weight and stature that is required to play DCI Langton. We have worked together before and I have always hoped we would work together again and I am thrilled that he will be Langton.”
Laura Mackie, Director of ITV Drama, says:
It is really exciting to be launching a brand new Lynda La Plante thriller, with such a prestigious cast in the leading roles. Lynda has proved time and again that she leads the way in the crime genre and with the classy direction of Chris Menaul this is a real blue-chip project for ITV1”.
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