Latest news with #KarenPirie
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star returns to screens in major series announcement
A second season of ITV detective drama Karen Pirie is on the way, with Lauren Lyle in the leading role and ex-EastEnders actress Emer Kenny co-writing and starring Writer and actress Emer Kenny has hinted at the return of ITV's detective drama Karen Pirie, featuring Outlander's Lauren Lyle. The show, which debuted in 2022, adapts Val McDermid's Inspector Karen Pirie novels and stars Lauren as the lead character. With production credits from the teams behind Line of Duty and Bodyguard, the series portrays Lauren as a "young and fearless Scottish investigator with a quick mouth and a tenacious desire for the truth". In its inaugural season, viewers followed her character as she reopened the 25-year-old case of Rosie Duff, a barmaid who was attacked, stabbed, and left to die. A true crime podcast brings the cold case back into the limelight, with DS Karen Pirie spearheading the reinvestigation. As she delves into the past of three men who were once suspects but never prosecuted, she unravels a tangle of lies and secrets, navigating through complex motives to pinpoint the real killer. The show earned an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences praising it as "a classic British crime drama with a nice modern touch to it". Emer, formerly of EastEnders fame, who also contributes as a writer and actor on Karen Pirie, has provided an exciting update regarding the forthcoming series. "My show, Karen Pirie, season 2 of that is coming out this summer," she disclosed in a chat with RadioTimes, adding: "Which is really exciting, because it's been a while since we've finished shooting it. "So I'm just really pumped for it to be out in the world on ITV on Sunday nights." She tantalised fans with a hint: "This time it's about a kidnap of a billionaire heiress, so it's a little bit more epic, a little bit bigger, and I'm just really excited for people to see." Following a "really nice" response to the debut series, Emer shared her aspiration to deliver to her fans "something that is just as good". The forthcoming second season is set to draw on A Darker Domain, the second novel of McDermid's collection. It will consist of three episodes, each two hours long. Lauren opened up about the upcoming series, remarking: "I'm thrilled that we will continue the life of our fearless young detective Karen Pirie, and of course, her bumbag. I've known for a while how well the show has gone down behind the scenes, so it's been a joy to see audiences want more. "It's a creative honour to work alongside Emer Kenny with the backbone of Val McDermid's story. Season 1 was incredibly exciting, building an original character we hadn't seen before. I look forward to getting the gang back together and finally being able to answer the question: 'Please say there will be a season 2?' with an 'Oh yes.'" ITV has whetted the appetite for the next instalment, revealing: "In this second season, Karen reopens the investigation into the unsolved kidnap of a wealthy young heiress and her baby son back in 1985." Karen Pirie is available to watch on ITVX.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lockerbie detective Ed McCusker helped make BBC's bombing drama for touching reason
The Bombing of Pan Am 103 dramatises the tragic events of the terrorist attack that took place on 21 December, 1988, which saw 270 people killed when a plane exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, and it's time for those who witnessed it to share their story. DS Ed McCusker is one of the real-life people depicted in BBC's six-part drama, he is portrayed by Connor Swindells and played a key role in the investigation into the Lockerbie bombing. He was closely involved with the TV show, and for a touching reason according to the cast. Lauren Lyle, who plays McCusker's wife June in the show, shared at a press event for the series that she spoke directly with the detective, who was very open with her about their life and his experience during the investigation. She explained: "I didn't know anything about June and then I had a phone call, a couple of quite long phone calls with Ed McCusker and I think it just put into perspective the emotional reality. I think the women of the story put in the emotional reality of what happened. "He was doing it for her because they had this amazing romantic story of their life and their love together, and about five years ago she died of cancer and the last thing that she said to him was 'you have to tell your Lockerbie story'. "And I'm on the phone going, 'Oh my God, well I have to do it now.' So it was sort of an honour to be a part of something that I've always known about, and to do it for her as well because she'll never see it come to life, but for him to know that we have [is important]." The BBC worked closely with the detectives and victims families for the drama, because it was important for them to always be "front of mind" according to director Michael Keillor. Those that helped with the drama included FBI agents Tom Thurman (played by Eddie Marsan) and Richard Marquise, played by Patrick J Adams. Lyle added that she felt a huge sense of responsibility to share their story, and that of the victims and their families, in the right way: "I think being Scottish, it's a very personal story that I've grown up. I didn't live through it, but my parents did and my family did, and it's always been something that I've known a lot about and it's something people really talk about. "I know Simon [Heath, executive producer] because [his company] made my show Karen Pirie so I knew that the show was being made and we spoke and I expressed that it's such a, in a way, horribly iconic story and I said: 'If there is anything, I'd be really honoured.' The Bombing of Pan Am 103 premieres on BBC One from 9pm, Sunday 18 May and will be available on BBC iPlayer. Episodes will be released Sunday and Monday nights.
The Courier
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
5 TV shows filmed in Tayside, Fife and Stirling set to be released
Tayside, Fife and Stirling have provided the backdrop for several upcoming TV shows. The region has played a part in bringing TV dramas, documentaries and gameshows to life over recent months. The programmes, involving stars such as Andrew Lincoln and Kelly Macdonald, will be released by the likes of Netflix, BBC and ITV. Similar film and TV projects have brought millions of pounds to the area in the last year. The Courier has rounded up TV shows recently shot in Tayside, Fife and Stirling that are set to be broadcast in the near future. The upcoming ITV drama saw The Lade Inn in Kilmahog, near Callander, taken over by more than 50 actors and production staff in August 2024. The thriller stars Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead and This Life), Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting) and Indira Varma (Obsession). Set in the fictional Scottish village of Coldwater, the series is written by award-winning playwright David Ireland (The Lovers, Ulster American, Cyprus Avenue). The story follows John (Lincoln), a repressed man who is shocked to find himself in middle age, secretly raging at his life as a stay-at-home dad. A release date for the ITV production is yet to be announced. Production crews descended on Inverkeithing, Dysart, Kinghorn and Anstruther to film scenes for the second series of hit ITV crime drama Karen Pirie last summer. Several roads, including the town's High Street, were closed off to traffic for more than four hours on Tuesday evening as filming continued in and around a chip shop. Produced by London-based World Productions, the show is based on best-selling Fife author Val McDermid's second book in her Karen Pirie series, A Darker Domain. The lead role is played by Lauren Lyle (star of Outlander), who is given a 40-year-old murder case to reinvestigate. A release date is yet to be announced, but author Val McDermid says the series is 'set to arrive on ITV imminently'. Burntisland provided a filming location for Netflix's upcoming detective series Dept Q in June 2024. The series stars Trainspotting actress Kelly Macdonald and Matthew Goode, who is known for his roles in Downton Abbey, The Crown and The Imitation Game. Dept Q is an adaptation of the novels of the same name by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The series revolves around Carl Morck, a former top-rated detective in Edinburgh assigned to a new cold case whilst wracked with guilt following an attack that left his partner paralysed and another police officer dead. The series will be released on Netflix on May 29. Actor Robson Green visited Broughty Ferry this week to film with Gladiators star Sheli McCoy. The Soldier Soldier star went paddleboarding on the River Tay on Tuesday during filming for an episode of BBC Two series Robson Green's Weekend Escapes. The show, which sees Green travel across the country meeting famous faces along the way, is currently in its third season. The actor told The Courier that the episode will centre around activities 'that are good for your mental wellbeing', as recommended by Dundee-based gym owner McCoy. An exact date for the episode release has not been announced, but it is understood that it may not be on TV screens until early 2026. Filming for the BBC's new TV gameshow Race Against the Tide also took place in St Andrews this week. The Fife town's West Sands beach provides a backdrop for the BBC's Race Against the Tide. The show sees competitors build sand sculptures against the ticking clock of the incoming tide. The six-part series is hosted by Scottish comedian Iain Stirling – best known as the narrator of Love Island – who will issue additional craft challenges throughout the show. The series will be available on BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer but a release date has yet to be announced.
Daily Record
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star returns for 'epic' season 2 of 'best police drama' based in Scotland
The Scottish crime drama is set to return for season 2 with Outlander star Lauren Lyle reprising her role. Outlander sensation Lauren Lyle, known to fans as Marsali in the Starz fantasy hit, is poised for a television comeback. The star, fresh from her role in Netflix's Toxic Town, will reprise her lead role in ITV's crime thriller Karen Pirie. Hailed as 'the best police drama this year' upon its 2022 debut, Karen Pirie is anticipated to make an 'epic' return for a second season, with the air date still under wraps. Lyle will return as DS Karen Pirie, the tenacious young detective at the helm of a reopened 25 year old murder case that has piqued the fascination of true crime podcast aficionados in the initial season. Adapted from Val McDermid's acclaimed Inspector Karen Pirie series, season one brought to life the author's novel The Distant Echo, delving into the unresolved murder of teenage barmaid Rosie Duff, reports the Scottish Daily Express. In its second outing, focusing on McDermid's A Darker Domain, viewers will see Karen unraveling the mysterious 1984 abduction of heiress Catriona Grant (portrayed by Julia Brown) and her son. The official synopsis delves deep into the heart of the story: "In the turmoil of 1984, when young heiress to the Grant oil fortune Catriona Grant is kidnapped at gunpoint with her young son, it's assumed that the motivation is political. "The huge investigation creates an uncontrollable press storm... but when the culprits unexpectedly fall silent, the case runs cold. Cat and Adam are never seen again. "Forty years later, when a man's body is discovered, Karen Pirie is assigned to reopen the case in complete secrecy. "With the first key piece of evidence in decades, Karen must try to unlock one of Scotland's most infamous mysteries, whilst battling increasing media attention. "What happened to Cat Grant and why do sinister forces want the secrets of her disappearance to remain hidden?" The ensemble cast for the much-anticipated return of Karen Pirie is nothing short of stellar, featuring talents from across the television spectrum. Among them are Outlander's and World on Fire's Brown, Sex Education's Chris Jenks, The Witcher: Blood Origin's Zach Wyatt, Harry Potter's Steve John Shepherd, and Unforgotten's Frances Tomelty. Joining the lineup is Lyle's Outlander colleague Jack Stewart, known for his portrayal of Charles Morgan in the series, who will also embody the character of young Fergus. Emer Kenny, who has made her mark both as a writer and executive producer, as well as through her acting roles in EastEnders and Father Brown, takes on the role of River Wilde in the drama. Reflecting on the show's comeback, Kenny shared her thoughts on the unique connection she feels with the character of Karen Pirie. "When she's laughing, I'm laughing. When she's stressed, I'm stressed. When she turns to drink... well, you get the idea," she said. Kenny expressed her excitement about bringing the character back to viewers, now promoted to Detective Inspector, exuding more authority, confidence, and sporting some of those signature sweater vests. "We have a dazzling cast, an heroic crew, and epic plot-twists. If Karen Pirie isn't already your favourite detective, I promise she will be soon," she added. Karen Pirie season 1 is available to stream on ITVX. Outlander season 7 is available to buy on Digital and is streaming on MGM+ via Prime Video.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
McDermid praises ‘inspirational' libraries ahead of campaign launch
Bestselling crime writer Val McDermid has returned to her childhood library in Kirkcaldy, saying she she would not be where she is today if it had not been on her doorstep. The author, who is best known for her Wire In The Blood series and Karen Pirie novels, was visiting the library in Kirkcaldy Galleries ahead of the launch of the Love Libraries campaign. The campaign, which begins on February 14 and runs until October, is designed to encourage more people to join libraries and make use of what they have to offer, and focuses on the benefits librarians bring to communities throughout the country. I would not be where I am today if this building had not been on my doorstep Val McDermid, crime writer Val McDermid, who is a lifelong advocate of libraries, reflected on the role they played in her own life. 'It's great to come here today and see so many children finding ways to tell stories and experience stories,' she said. 'Coming back to this building, I remember how much it meant to me. 'I would not be where I am today if this building had not been on my doorstep. 'My parents couldn't afford books but they understood they were the passport to better life chances than they'd had. 'But it's not just writers who have their doors opened to the wider world by libraries. 'Engineers, lawyers, builders, artists, geographers, mathematicians, musicians – the list is endless. 'Libraries open windows that let us all fly.' The Love Libraries campaign is organised by the National Library of Scotland and a range of partners, including: the Scottish Library and Information Council; the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland; the Association of Public Libraries Scotland; and the Scottish Confederation of University and Research Libraries. The campaign is part of the National Library of Scotland's centenary programme, and Val McDermid is one of the library's official centenary champions.
