Channel 5 is set to spice up screens with an enticing roster for 2024, bringing back acclaimed serial All Creatures Great and Small and introducing the edgy new crime drama Ellis, from the creators at Company Pictures.
The riveting three-part saga showcases the talents of Sharon D. Clarke and Andrew Gower as they navigate a story centred around DCI Ellis, described as "a tenacious cop who is parachuted into failing investigations".
As a black woman in the police force, she's no stranger to being sidelined by her male counterparts, yet she stands out as a "first-class murder detective, with a determination for justice and a deep well of compassion for those who need it".
Mirroring the length of hits like Midsomer Murders, each instalment stretches over two action-packed hours. Sharon D.
Clarke, noted for her performances in Showtrial, Lost Boys and Fairies, as well as Rocketman, takes on the eponymous lead, reports the Mirror.
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Playing her trusty sidekick, DS Harper, is Andrew Gower, whose acting pedigree includes The Winter King, Carnival Row and Outlander. In every episode, the duo steps into a fresh setting, challenging Ellis to gain the trust of local officers.
The backdrop of springtime Northern Ireland served as the filming location for Ellis, with Channel 5 and Acorn TV slated to debut the show later this year.
Shoot sites spanned from Dromore, County Down, to Gracehill in County Antrim, close to Ballymena.
Official launch dates remain under wraps, but with a mere three months left, aficionados of whodunit stories can anticipate the arrival of Ellis soon.
Sebastian Cardwell of Paramount UK enthused over the new series 'Ellis', declaring: "Ellis is a brilliant addition to our scripted slate, and we are thrilled to be working with the teams at Acorn TV and Company Pictures on this gripping new series."
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"I can't wait to see the incredible Sharon D Clarke bring DCI Ellis to life."
Catherine Mackin of Acorn TV echoed the sentiment, saying, "Ellis delivers on every note" and confirmed, "We are elated to have found our ideal DCI in the incomparable Sharon D Clarke, and we are excited to work with both Channel 5 and Company Pictures again."
Adding to the chorus of approval, Michele Buck from Company Pictures stated: "Company Pictures are proud and delighted to be creating a new detective series for Channel 5 and Acorn with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, in association with All3Media International."
"Sharon D Clarke is the perfect DCI Ellis, who will bring her inimitable talents to this inventive and powerful new female-led detective series."
