Ridley: New ITV detective drama to star Line Of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar

ITV has announced a brand new detective drama with Line Of Duty star Adrian Dunbar.

Witten and created by Paul Matthew Thompson (Vera) and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (Blood, Hollington Drive, Penance), Ridley will star Adrian Dunbar in the leading role of Detective Inspector Alex Ridley who is retiring from the police after years of dedicated service.

A teaser of the series shares: “After twenty-five years as a homicide copper, Ridley has been nudged out of the job he loves. But the prospect of retirement is not a particularly welcome one as he’s been cut off in his prime.

“Ridley’s replacement is Acting DI Carol Farman, his former protégée whom Ridley mentored for many years. When he’s enlisted by Carol as a police consultant on a complex and compelling murder case, the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn. Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which has served them so well in the past.

“With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will be enticed out of retirement into his former role, reviving his formidable and successful partnership with Carol.”

The series will air for four, feature length episodes, produced by West Road Pictures with Paul Matthew Thompson writing episodes one, two and four and Julia Gilbert (Agatha Raisin, Midsomer Murders) writing episode three.

Adrian Dunbar said: “I don’t think I’ve ever headed into a production with more excitement and enthusiasm.

“As an actor I know how rare it is to be given such a wonderful opportunity, and the combination of Polly Hill and Chloe Tucker at ITV and Jonathan Fisher at West Road Pictures means we are in both safe and creative hands.

“Jonathan and I worked closely together on the very successful series Blood, and I’m confident we can bring some of that magic to Ridley. Here’s to getting the team together and developing a show that audiences can find both entertaining and engaging.”

Jonathan Fisher commented: “I couldn’t be happier to be getting started on Ridley, as we continue to build the West Road production slate with our second commission for ITV.

“We’re so excited to be teaming up once again with the inimitable Adrian Dunbar, bringing to life Paul Matthew Thompson’s characterful and engaging scripts. ITV has a fine tradition of nurturing much-loved detective series, and it’s a real privilege to be bringing Ridley to the channel.”

Paul Matthew Thompson added: “I am thrilled to be working with Jonathan Fisher and West Road Pictures to bring Ridley to life for ITV. Equally delighted that he’ll be portrayed by the iconic Adrian Dunbar.

“With his maverick idiosyncrasies, a heart on sleeve empathy and a unique approach to solving crime we hope Ridley will soon join the canon of favourite TV detectives.”

Chloe Tucker, ITV Drama Commissioner, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Adrian Dunbar will be starring as the retired DI Ridley, a man who cannot leave police work behind. We are excited to be working with West Road Pictures again, and to be bringing Paul Matthew Thompson’s brilliant scripts to screen.”

Filming is currently underway in Lancashire with a release date to be announced.