Graham Norton’s bestselling novel ‘Holding’ is being turned into a TV series - set to begin filming in Ireland this summer.
ITV has commissioned a four-part adaptation of his debut novel, with Game of Thrones star Conleth Hill cast in the lead role of the project.
British comedy star Kathy Burke is set to direct from a script by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan.
Popular telly host and Cork native Graham revealed: “I am beyond excited to see the story and characters I created being brought to the screen.
“I love how the brilliant creative team have transformed my novel into something so rich and dramatic. West Cork is ready for its close-up!”
The bestselling book is set in the fictional Co Cork town of Duneen.
It centres on Sergeant PJ Collins, who will be played by Hill, who is described as “a gentle mountain of a man, who hides from people and fills his days with comfort food and half-hearted police work”.
He is called on to solve a serious crime for the first time in his career when the body of long-lost local legend Tommy Burke is discovered.
Northern Irish actor Hill, who recently starred in the TV series Dublin Murders, said: “I’m looking forward to getting to work with Kathy, the cast and crew, Dominic and everyone at [production company] Happy Prince on bringing Graham’s brilliant characters and story to the screen.”
Script writer Dominic said: “It’s so exciting to be able to bring Graham’s beautiful novel to the screen with the creative powerhouses that are Kathy Burke and Karen Cogan, with the brilliant Martina Niland producing.
“To be writing my first scripts alongside Karen and to film with Conleth and such a talented Irish cast and crew in West Cork - where my father was from and my family still are - makes this even more special.”
Director Kathy added: “2021 is my 40th year working in the industry and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than directing Holding.
“It’s a beautiful piece of writing with a great story and fantastic, full bodied characters. All this with glorious West Cork as its setting proved irresistible.”
She also tweeted: “I love theatre directing but thought I should get out of my comfort zone and direct a bit of telly. West Cork is where my Mum was from so, hello over there and put the kettle on as I’ll be heading home soon!”
The synopsis of the show, set to film on location in Cork, reads: “When the body of long-lost local legend Tommy Burke is discovered, PJ is called to solve a serious crime for the first time in his career.
"PJ finally has to connect with the village he has tried hard to avoid.”
Holding is produced by ITV Studios-backed production company Happy Prince alongside Martina Niland for Port Pictures, in association with Screen Ireland.
Details of further casting will be released closer to the start of production.
