La Plante to adapt novel Above Suspicion for ITV1
- Published: 11 June 2008 16:43
- Author: Robin Parker
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- Last Updated: 11 June 2008 16:43
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ITV1 has commissioned Lynda la Plante to adapt her novel Above Suspicion with a view to launching a franchise in the mould of Prime Suspect.
Kelly Reilly seen most recently in ITV1's He Kills Coppers, will star as DC Anna Travis, an ambitious young police officer following in her late father's footsteps.
The show will be the first La Plante drama based on one of her books. The Travis character appears in four novels alongside her volatile boss, DCI Langton. He will be played by Ciaran Hinds, best known for playing Caesar in the BBC/HBO drama Rome.
Both actors have previously appeared in Prime Suspect and the project will also reunite La Plante with the director of the first Prime Suspect, Chris Menaul.
Above Suspicion follows Travis' first murder case, which opens with the discovery of the body of a student who appears to have been the seventh victim of a serial killer who targets drug users and prostitutes. The suspect is a popular actor on the brink of international stardom and Travis has to make tough choices; as arresting him would create a media frenzy, and if he were found innocent her reputation would be destroyed.
La Plante Productions will begin filming the two-hour drama in London next month. La Plante will produce alongside Trial and Retribution producer Jolyon Symonds. Liz Thorburn is the executive producer.
ITV drama director Laura Mackie, who ordered the show, added: "Lynda has proved time and again that she leads the way in the crime genre and with Chris Menaul's classy direction, this is a real blue-chip project for ITV1."
Above Suspicion will air later this year.
