Adrian Dunbar's new ITV detective drama Ridley has begun filming its first scenes of the year in Lancashire.
The Line of Duty star, 63, is taking the titular role across four two-hour episodes.
Dunbar, who is originally from Enniskillen, will play Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who is retiring from the police after years of dedicated service.
His replacement is DI Carol Farman, played by The Fall's Bronagh Waugh, a former protégée whom Ridley mentored for many years and is now in charge of investigations.
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.
With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will revive his formidable and successful partnership with Carol.
Inspired by real life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources, Ridley will explore thought provoking crime stories in an original and distinctive way.
Filming across Northern England the Ridley cast also includes Terence Maynard ( Time, Coronation Street ) as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari ( Years and Years, The A Word ) as DC Darren Lakhan, Georgie Glen ( The Crown, Call the Midwife ) as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone.
The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia ( Citizen Khan, Coronation Street ), Aidan McArdle ( The Trial of Christine Keeler, The Fall ) and Julie Graham ( Shetland, Penance ).
Ridley is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers of ITV’s iconic detective drama, Vera, and co-created by Jonathan Fisher (Blood, Hollington Drive, Penance ), managing director of West Road Pictures.
Both will act as executive producers alongside Ingrid Goodwin.
Dunbar said: “Ridley has begun shooting and we really couldn’t be off to a better start. Despite the wintry weather, everything from cast and crew right down to the catering is excellent.
“Bronagh Waugh has stepped into her character’s shoes seamlessly and we have been joined by some great actors with more to come.”
Co-creator Jonathan Fisher added: “It’s a real thrill for filming to be underway with such a top-rate cast starring alongside Adrian Dunbar and led by a superb production team.
'We can’t wait to share this absorbing new detective series with our audience.'
Ridley has been commissioned for ITV by Head of Drama, Polly Hill, with Drama Commissioner, Chloe Tucker overseeing production of the drama from the channel’s perspective.
An official release date has yet to be formally announced.
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