BBC announces Lynley adaptation with Ted Lasso, Line of Duty and Vera stars

BBC announces Lynley adaptation with Ted Lasso, Line of Duty and Vera stars

As a seasoned cinema devotee who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate worlds of British detective dramas, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming adaptation of Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley novels. With a rich background spanning from Agatha Christie to Sherlock Holmes, my taste for these tales is as refined as a well-aged cheese.


The BBC will produce a fresh interpretation of Elizabeth George’s popular Inspector Lynley series, with Leo Suter from “Vikings: Valhalla” taking the lead role.

The series, named “Lynley,” is marketed as a modern retelling and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Alongside Sharon Doyle (Ted Lasso), the main cast also includes Daniel Mays (Line of Duty), Niamh Walsh (The English Game), Michael Workeye (My Lady Jane) and Joshua Sher (Vera).

In this version, Suter assumes the lead role of the aristocratic detective who bears the title, whereas Barclay steps into the character of their unconventional and rebellious partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers.

Simultaneously, Mays portrays DCI Brian Nies, a clever yet suspicious senior detective at the Three Counties Major Incident Team. His dislike for Lynley is rooted partly in his own feelings of class insecurity and partly in the realization that he is no longer the most intelligent person in the room.

Previously, George’s books have been brought to life on television screens, as Nathaniel Parker portrayed the lead character in the long-running series “The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.” This show aired on BBC One for six seasons from 2001 to 2008.

In a nutshell, Tommy Lynley, a sharp-witted detective, finds himself an outcast within the police force due to his aristocratic heritage. He teams up with Barbara Havers, a fellow officer known for her unconventional approach and working-class roots.

Against all expectations, even with our apparent differences, I found myself forming an unstoppable partnership with Lynley and Havers. Our shared passion for justice bound us together.

Regarding the latest show, George expressed her delight at yet another screen interpretation of her books, stating that it’s like a joyful celebration to witness her characters come alive on TV.

In the meantime, Steve Thompson (from “Vienna Blood”) expressed his enthusiasm by stating: “It’s an honor and a delight to adapt these fantastic novels for television. The iconic characters created by Elizabeth George are deeply cherished and her suspenseful plots are both clever and intricate.

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, commented: “This fresh, captivating adaptation offers a lot to relish for fans of Elizabeth George’s thrilling novels and the legendary Inspector Lynley Mysteries series on the BBC, as well as those newcomers who are yet to experience the magnetic allure of Inspector Lynley.

The show has been approved for four extended episodes, with BritBox US and the BBC collaborating on its creation. At present, it’s being filmed in Ireland.

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2024-10-16 19:05