ITV has commissioned an adaptation of Graham Norton's debut novel.
Graham Norton
The network has announced four-part series 'Holding' - based on the chat show host's 2016 book of the same name - will be directed by Kathy Burke, and 'Game of Thrones' star Conleth Hill will lead the cast.
Graham said: "I am beyond excited to see the story and characters I created being brought to the screen.
"I love how the brilliant creative team have transformed my novel into something so rich and dramatic. West Cork is ready for its close-up!”
The script has been written by former 'EastEnders' boss Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan, and Conleth will play local police officer Sergeant PJ Collins.
The character is described as a "gentle mountain of a man, who hides from people and fills his days with comfort food and half-hearted police work".
However, when the body of long-lost local legend Tommy Burke is found, PJ gets called in to solve the first serious crime of his career as he finally has to connect with the village and people he tried to avoid.
Conleth said: “I’m looking forward to getting to work with Kathy, the cast and crew, Dominic and everyone at Happy Prince on bringing Graham’s brilliant characters and story to the screen.”
Kathy added: "2021 is my 40th year working in the industry and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than directing 'Holding'.
"It’s a beautiful piece of writing with a great story and fantastic, full bodied characters. All this with glorious West Cork as its setting proved irresistible."
ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill said: "Graham’s wonderful book has been brilliantly brought to life by Dom and Karen.
"Conleth Hill is the perfect PJ, in what is a funny and well observed look at life in a small rural Irish community.
"It’s testament to the strength of those scripts that Kathy Burke is directing and it will be exciting to see her bring this adaptation to screen.”
'Holding' will be filmed in Ireland across the summer of 2021 with further casting details set to be announced closer to the time.
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