The Stage

Reilly to star in La Plante’s Above Suspicion for ITV1

Published Thursday 12 June 2008 at 14:20 by Matthew Hemley

Lynda La Plante has been commissioned to adapt her novel Above Suspicion into a drama for ITV1, starring Kelly Reilly.

Reilly will play DC Anna Travis in the two-hour production, with Ciaran Hinds starring as her boss, DCI Langton.

The story revolves around Travis’ first murder case, involving a series of killings where all the victims are drug users and prostitutes.

Determined to earn recognition from her boss, she works hard to find a vital piece of information which links one man - a well known actor - to the murders.

Above Suspicion is being made by La Plante Productions for ITV1.

It is being produced by La Plante and Jolyon Symonds and directed by Chris Menaul, who was responsible for ITV’s See No Evil: The Moors Murders.

La Plante said: “It is very exciting, this is the first time that one of my books has been adapted for the UK screen and I am thrilled. In creating Anna Travis, a young detective constable just out of training, I can explore what it is like for a young detective to face their first murder inquiry, the emotion that comes with that as well the pressure and intrigue of the investigation.”

She said Reilly was “so right for this role” because she brings her own experience of “being the daughter of a policeman”.

La Plante added: “It is that understanding and shared experience that will help her bring Anna to life on the screen.”

ITV director of drama Laura Mackie said: “It is really exciting to be launching a brand new Lynda La Plante thriller, with such a prestigious cast in the leading roles. This is a real blue-chip project for ITV1”.