Channel 5 has commissioned a new primetime thriller starring Neil Morrissey (Line of Duty, Unforgotten), James Buckley (The Inbetweeners, White Gold) and Fay Ripley (Cold Feet, Suspects).
Finders Keepers, first announced under working title The Hoard, is produced by Seven Seas Films, in association with Manchester’s Quay Street Productions and ITV Studios.
The 4 x 60minute drama will begin filming this month.
It tells the story of detectorist Martin (Morrissey) and his wheeler-dealer soon to be son-in-law Ashley (Buckley) who, while on a boys bonding trip in the idyllic fields of rural Somerset, discover a hoard of buried Saxon treasure worth millions. Legally, they should declare it, “but Ashley spots an opportunity to look after number one.”
“I’m delighted to be joining this project alongside the wonderful James Buckley and Fay Ripley,” said Morrissey.
“Martin is a character that most people will relate to, he’s a normal guy with a relatively happy life. But when he’s suddenly presented with this opportunity of a lifetime, there’s no telling what he might be capable of. I can’t wait to explore just how far he’s willing to go.”
The drama was ordered for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 & Paramount+.
It will be directed by Philip John (Outlander, Good Karma Hospital, Iron Fist) and has been written by Dan Sefton (Good Karma Hospital, The Mallorca Files, Trust Me), who is also Executive Producer for Seven Seas Films.
“Seven Seas Films is delighted to be able to bring the characters and story Dan has created to life,” said Series Producer, Simon Lupton.
“Martin is going to find temptation a frighteningly powerful adversary, which takes him into situations he is painfully unprepared for. We hope the viewers are thrilled by the twists and turns as he struggles to keep control and save his family. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by Channel 5 and ITV Studios, and the support of Quay Street Productions, which enables us to share this rollercoaster ride with audiences.”
Finders Keepers debuts on Channel 5 on Wednesday January 17 at 9pm, with new episodes running weekly at the same time. ITV Studios will handle international distribution.
