ITV has ordered a third series of cold-case crime drama, Karen Pirie, after the last outing averaged 5.3m viewers.
It will be based on Val McDermid’s third book in the series, The Skeleton Road.
Acclaimed Scottish screenwriter, Gillian Roger Park (The Young Offenders, Avenue 5, The Bombing of Pan Am 103) has done the adaptation, with Lauren Lyle returning in the title role.
“I’m delighted to be taking the reins on Karen Pirie for series three as she takes on her darkest and most challenging case yet!” said Roger Park.
“The incomparable Val McDermid has created a truly distinctive and enduring character in Karen and it’s a real honour to follow Emer, whose brilliant adaptation brought Karen’s world to the screen over two successful series. As a Scottish writer, I’m especially thrilled to continue showcasing modern Scotland and to write for Lauren, who plays Karen with such wit and fresh energy.”
The story starts with the discovery of a man’s remains hidden in the roof of a derelict Edinburgh building. DI Karen Pirie learns that the victim fled the Balkans conflict of the 1990s for the safety of Scotland to marry a now famous author, whose identity stirs up a hornets’ nest of publicity.
As the investigation develops, Karen unearths “dangerous secrets and a vicious cycle of revenge as someone takes justice into their own hands.”
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Karen Pirie and Lauren Lyle’s award-winning performance in what promises to be another brilliant series,” said Huw Kennair Jones, ITV Commissioning Editor.
“Based on Val McDermid’s bestselling book, Gillian has woven a compelling story that will delight Karen’s many fans. With the fantastic team at World Productions producing, the ITV and ITVX audience are in for a gripping drama.”
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It will be made by World Productions, which is part of ITV Studios.
“Playing Karen Pirie has become one of the most delicious thrills of my career and knowing that people of the world want more of her and her bumbag is an absolute honour!” said Lauren Lyle, who will be an Executive Producer on the new series.
“With the added joy of getting to put my Executive Producer hat on for season 3, I can finally, much like Karen, whip all those higher up’s in to shape. In all seriousness, I’m so grateful to be bringing more Karen Pirie to our screens. Season 3 feels even more elevated, with an even wilder story full of thrills, twists, and of course, plenty of eye rolls.”
Author Val McDermid added:
“I’m thrilled to hear that plans are so far advanced for Karen Pirie series three. The Skeleton Road is a favourite with many readers, so it’ll be particularly exciting to see it adapted. I feel very privileged to have such a talented team bringing my books to a wider audience and I can’t wait to see what they make of it.”
The series will be produced by Marcus Wilson (Vigil, Doctor Who, Whitechapel).
The second series was streamed 11 million times on ITVX and STV Player.
