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Line Of Duty Fans Will Love Adrian Dunbar In ITV’s Retired Detective Series Ridley

Line Of Duty Fans Will Love Adrian Dunbar In ITV’s Retired Detective Series Ridley

Adrian Dunbar is taking on another police drama, starring as a detective in Ridley.

Joanna Freedman

Joanna Freedman

Mother of God! Line Of Duty fans, we have some excellent news for you.

Adrian Dunbar is taking a lead role in another TV police drama: Ridley.

Following on from the roaring success of Jed Mercurio's BBC series about bent coppers, the Irish actor, 62, is now taking on the part of a detective again - this time over on ITV.

Dunbar's character, Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, finds himself back on the frontline of the force as a consultant detective after he realises his colleague, Carol Farman, needs his assistance on a particularly tricky murder case.

The plot will see Ridley return to the force after 25 years of retirement, following a career as a homicide detective.

He's not thrilled to be back, but when Farman calls, he can't say no - so he begrudgingly offers his expertise.

Dunbar will star as retired detective, Ridley (
BBC)

"When he's enlisted by Carol as a police consultant on a complex and compelling murder case, the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn. Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley's unique insight into crime-solving, which has served them so well in the past," a synopsis reads.

"With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will be enticed out of retirement into his former role, reviving his formidable and successful partnership with Carol."

The series is penned by Vera and Father Brown writer, Paul Matthew Thompson, and co-created by Jonathan Fisher, who is behind Blood and Penance. Midsomer Murders writer, Julia Gilbert also works on episode three of the show.

Dunbar is known and loved by fans for his role in Line Of Duty (
BBC)

Thompson spoke to real life detectives, who had also retired and re-joined in consultancy roles, while writing the show, and was keen to cover the new phenomenon - a consequence of overstretched and underfunded forces.

The series is yet to announce the rest of its cast, but we'll update you as soon as we know more.

The team behind the series are hoping for it to air in 2022, and filming is set to begin in autumn of this year.

Adrian Dunbar is the only cast-member announced so far (
PA)

"I don't think I've ever headed into a production with more excitement and enthusiasm. As an actor I know how rare it is to be given such a wonderful opportunity," Adrian said in a statement.

"Jonathan and I worked closely together on the very successful series Blood, and I'm confident we can bring some of that magic to Ridley. Here's to getting the team together and developing a show that audiences can find both entertaining and engaging."

Jonathan Fisher added: "I couldn't be happier to be getting started on Ridley, as we continue to build the West Road production slate with our second commission for ITV.

"We're so excited to be teaming up once again with the inimitable Adrian Dunbar, bringing to life Paul Matthew Thompson's characterful and engaging scripts. ITV has a fine tradition of nurturing much-loved detective series, and it's a real privilege to be bringing Ridley to the channel."

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: TV News, TV & Film, TV Entertainment, Line of Duty