Latest news with #LaurenLyle
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander star Lauren Lyle opens up on new BBC drama on Lockerbie bombing
Outlander's Lauren Lyle spoke about The Bombing of Pan Am 103 Lauren Lyle, known for her role in Outlander, has opened up about her exciting new venture away from the Starz drama series, reports the Scottish Daily Express. The 31 year old Glaswegian actress is best recognised for her portrayal of Marsali Fraser in the epic series, a character she's embodied from 2017 to 2022 and will reprise in the upcoming final eighth season. However, her next role sees her starring in the BBC and Netflix's The Bombing of Pan Am 103, a factual drama centred on the tragic 1988 Lockerbie bombing. In this project, Lyle steps into the shoes of June McCusker, wife of detective Ed McCusker, played by Connor Swindells, who worked relentlessly with teams in the UK and the USA to track down those responsible for the horrific terrorist attack. During a press screening in London, Lyle spoke to media outlets including Reach Screen Time, discussing the parallels and contrasts between Outlander and The Bombing of Pan Am 103. "It's a really different thing. Outlander is a very fantasy sort of thing. The scale of the sets is probably similar in places," Lyle shared. "On Outlander they build enormous, very cinematic, incredibly detailed sets for things. "I never actually visited the bomb site for this, but I saw lots of footage for stuff and Connor would send me stuff because we would be speaking and it was very detailed. It looked really mass scale." She further elaborated on the meticulous attention to detail on the set of the McCusker's house, from the 1980s video game consoles and games to the pancakes in the kitchen. Lyle wrapped up: "Everyone was very dedicated to making sure it was authentic and it definitely felt large, a really big productions involved." The actress, whose resume includes appearances in Karen Pirie and Vigil, also shared her reasons for taking part in The Bombing of Pan Am 103. Explaining her connection, she mentioned: "I think being Scottish, it's a very personal story that I've grown up [with]. I didn't live through it but my parents did and my family did and it's always, always been something I've known a lot about." Addressing the impact on her homeland, she added: "It's something we never really talk about and everyone sort of grimaces. Lockerbie is really known as 'that place that that happened'." Her engagement in the series came after she learned that World Productions, which produces her ITV show Karen Pirie, was working on developing The Bombing of Pan Am 103. Lyle showed enthusiasm for the project, referring to it as a "horribly iconic story" and expressed she would be "honoured" to play any role in this significant series. The six-part series The Bombing of Pan Am 103 delves into the intense investigation by authorities from the UK and USA, who desperately tried to ascertain those behind the atrocity in real-time, striving to stop such a tragedy from reoccurring. Accompanying Lyle and Swindells in The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is a stellar ensemble cast including Patrick J. Adams, Eddie Marsan, Merritt Wever, Peter Mullan, Phyllis Logan, and Tony Curran among others. The BBC will be airing two episodes weekly on Sundays and Mondays for the upcoming three weeks, with Netflix set to distribute the show worldwide following this. The Bombing of Pan Am 103 starts on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 9pm, Sunday 18 May
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.
BBC News
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Filming commences on new psychological thriller The Ridge
Filming has begun on the new six-part psychological thriller The Ridge for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals. Shot on location between New Zealand and Scotland, The Ridge stars BAFTA Scotland award-winning Scots actress Lauren Lyle (Karen Pirie, Outlander) in the lead role of Mia, who is fleeing addiction and leaving behind a professional life in tatters in Scotland. She accepts a wedding invitation from her estranged sister in New Zealand – only to find the would-be-bride dead upon arrival. Caught up in grief and pulled by a dark attraction to her late-sister's fiancé Ewan played by New Zealand star Jay Ryan (Territory, Top of the Lake, It Chapter 2), Mia soon finds that familiarity among a small community breeds secrets and tensions, endangering the brittle fabric of the town itself. Speaking on location at the start of the shoot, Lauren Lyle said: "I'm very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life. Mia is such a fascinating character in a very weird world which is quite delicious to play. It feels like something very bad is going to play out.. in a good way!! New Zealand is also a second home to me so it's a joy to be back." Jay Ryan added: "I couldn't refuse a trip back home for this production that brilliantly weaves our cultures and folklore together in a tense and riveting series. This really is an ambitious work with characters that will leave you guessing at every turn. Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland said: 'We're delighted that The Ridge has started filming. This is a hugely exciting commission for BBC Scotland and is an example of our ambition to look beyond borders to bring high end quality drama to audiences not just in Scotland but across the world. The Ridge has a first class international team bringing it to life which we are proud to be a part of.' Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals said: 'Sky NZ Originals is extremely proud to team up with BBC Scotland on this co-commission. With Great Southern Studios at the helm, and Lauren and Jay leading the cast, The Ridge is sure to be an unmissable, world-class drama.' Created by acclaimed novelist Nora Chassler and BAFTA Scotland-winning producer David Murdoch and co-written with Alan Campbell and award-winning New Zealand writers Kate McDermott and Jess Sayer. Directed by BAFTA-winning Scottish director Douglas Mackinnon (Good Omens, Line of Duty, Doctor Who) and Emmy-nominated New Zealand director Robyn Grace (Sweet Tooth, Power Rangers, Spartacus). The series' executive producers include Boat Rocker's Ivan Schneeberg (Beacon 23) & David Fortier (Slip), Jon Rutherford (Bet), and Erik Pack (Video Nasty). The Ridge was commissioned by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland and Thomas Robins, Head of Sky NZ Originals. The Ridge is produced by New Zealand's leading drama makers Great Southern Studios and Glasgow-based Sinner Films for BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals. Boat Rocker will manage global sales. It is being made with the support of New Zealand On Air, the NZ Screen Production Rebate and Screen Scotland. The Ridge will be available to audiences on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland, Sky Open and NEON later this year. About Great Southern Studios Great Southern Studios is a passionate and creative production house based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a commitment to making elevated drama that reaches audiences around the world. Its recent scripted projects include Friends Like Her (Warner Bros. Discovery), n00b (Warner Bros. Discovery), Spinal Destination (Sky), and One Lane Bridge (TVNZ, AMC). Great Southern is also renowned for its social-impact factual programmes, including The Restaurant that Makes Mistakes (TVNZ), The Casketeers (TVNZ, Netflix), Coast New Zealand (TVNZ) and Coast Australia (Foxtel, BBC). Great Southern Studios is owned by writer and producer Philip Smith, winner of the 2018 NZ Television Award for Best Script: Drama and co-creator of One Lane Bridge which was named Best Drama Series at the 2020 NZ Television Awards. Smith is Great Southern's Chief Creative Officer; the company is led by CEO Cate Calver, who in her previous role as Director of Content at TVNZ was responsible for bringing to the small screen many acclaimed New Zealand and international dramas. About Sinner Films Sinner Films is a UK-based production company, based in Glasgow. It is run by David Murdoch, BAFTA Scotland and RTS winner for Channel 4 TV series KNTV. It is currently in production on a UK/China co-production feature film called Untamed directed by EMMY nominated director Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl / Mandela Long Walk to Freedom). Recent other features which Sinner Films has been a production company on include the Netflix Original Film The Most Assassinated Woman In The World which played at the Edinburgh Film Festival and starred Cesar winning Niels Schneider. It is developing a slate of TV and film projects with UK and international partners. About Boat Rocker Boat Rocker (TSX: BRMI) is the home for creative visionaries. An independent, integrated global entertainment company, Boat Rocker's purpose is to tell stories and build iconic brands across all genres and mediums. With offices around the world, Boat Rocker's creative and commercial capabilities include Scripted, Unscripted, and Kids and Family television production, distribution, brand & franchise management, a world-class animation studio, and talent management through a minority stake in The Initial Group, a new company launched by TPG. A selection of Boat Rocker's projects include: Invasion (Apple TV+), Palm Royale (Apple TV+), Video Nasty (BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Three, Virgin Media One, WDR), This Is the Tom Green Documentary (Prime Video), Orphan Black: Echoes (AMC), American Rust: Broken Justice (Prime Video), Beacon 23 (MGM+), Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu), Downey's Dream Cars (Max), BS High (HBO), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry (Apple TV+), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC), Daniel Spellbound (Netflix), and Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC). For more information, please visit About Sky New Zealand Originals Leading New Zealand media company Sky's Sky NZ Originals commissions world-class scripted and non-scripted content with a distinctively New Zealand perspective. We work closely with local funding partners and international collaborators and financiers to support the local production sector by backing a range of producers, both new and established, to tell brave, bold, and beautiful New Zealand stories. JM2
