New Lynley stars on honouring the past – and making the series their own

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The newest TV adaptation of Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley novels features Leo Suter (known from Vikings: Valhalla) as the detective Thomas Lynley, and Sofia Barclay as DS Barbara Havers. Before this, the BBC aired the series for six seasons, from 2001 to 2008, starring Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small as the lead characters.

When reimagining an existing work, it’s vital to acknowledge what came before while also making it your own, adding your unique perspective,” Suter explained about this latest installment in the series.

Trying to copy someone else’s success is a recipe for failure. You really need to forge your own path and rely on your gut feeling, which is why I felt surprisingly relaxed about taking a new approach from the beginning.

Both actors used the earlier version and George’s original story as a foundation, but they quickly moved towards portraying the characters in a completely fresh way.

Barclay explained how this new adaptation fits with previous versions. He and Steve felt that after reviewing the original ‘A Great Deliverance’, it became clear that Steve’s version and the one featuring Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small existed in completely separate timelines. He described it as a multiverse, meaning each version represents a different take on the Lynley and Havers partnership.

Suter recalled noticing early in the script-reading process that their version stood out, realizing it drew from different source material than other adaptations.

For Barclay, it was vital that the series brought something fresh.

What’s the point of trying to perfectly copy something that already exists? It feels pointless, and honestly, it can be really frustrating. I think we both realized that along the way – we were on a similar path.

Before it airs, here’s a look at what the new Lynley detective series is about: Tommy Lynley is a gifted police detective, but his privileged background makes him something of an outsider. He’s partnered with Sergeant Barbara Havers, a determined and unconventional officer who comes from a working-class family.

Despite their obvious differences, Lynley and Havers unexpectedly make a powerful team, united by their shared commitment to finding justice.

Lynley will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 5th January at 8:30pm.

Don’t miss out on Lynley! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

Chris Connor

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2026-01-04 11:34