The BBC is preparing to release a new detective show that’s ideal for Sherlock fans.
Based on Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley crime novels, a new adaptation is hitting screens, more than two decades after the original.
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries was broadcast on BBC One between 2001 and 2008, starring Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small.
Now, Leo Suter and Ted Lasso star Sofia Barclay are taking over as ‘brilliant police detective but an outsider in the force’ due to his aristocratic upbringing Inspector Tommy Lynley and DS Barbara Havers, ‘a sergeant with a maverick attitude and a working-class background’.
‘With seemingly nothing in common and against all odds, the mismatched duo of Lynley and Havers become a formidable team, bonded by their desire to see justice done,’ a press release teases.
The cast also includes Daniel Mays as DCI Brian Nies, who has an aversion to Limley ‘partly born of his own insecurities about class and partly because he knows he’s no longer the smartest person in the room’, as well as Niamh Walsh as estate agent and Lynley’s love interest Helen Clyde, Michael Workeye as tech specialist Tony Bekele and Joshua Sher as forensic scientists Simon St. James.
Though an official release date has yet to be announced, four episodes are due to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BritBox in the US and Canada.
Author Elizabeth said of the revival: ‘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.’
The series is being produced by Playground, the award-winning production company behind the likes of Wolf Hall and All Creatures Great and Small.
It is also created by Sherlock writer Steve Thompson, who said: ‘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.’
7 shows to binge if you’re a Sherlock fan
Ahead of Lynley’s release, here are seven detective shows to catch up on if you’re a fan of Sherlock:
- Grantchester, ITVX
- Luther, BBC iPlayer
- Broadchurch, ITVX
- Vera, ITVX
- Ludwig, BBC iPlayer
- Death In Paradise, BBC iPlayer
- Midsomer Murders, ITVX
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, 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.’
Lynley finished filming in December, with Vikings: Valhalla actor Leo sharing his excitement to ‘share it with the world’ and the ‘happy months and memories in Ireland with my Lynley family’.
He had earlier teased a first look at the new series, writing: ‘Thrilled to be bringing #Lynley back to life :-).’
Fans have also shared the excitement for it to land, with @B00ksmith writing on Reddit: ‘We just watched the old Lynley, and enjoyed it very much, I hope that this is just as much fun to see a more recent retelling of these stories.’
@Mssrandcole added: ‘Can’t wait to watch this! Thanks.’
@Spare_Groundbreaking said: ‘I love this book series! Can’t wait for the new version…I’ll have to get caught up on the old one first.’
Lynley is coming to BBC soon.
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