UKTV has commissioned its first Original scripted drama for crime drama channel, Alibi. The six-part series, Traces (6×60’), is written by Amelia Bullmore (Scott & Bailey, This Life) and produced by RED Production Company for UKTV and BBC Studios Distribution. Traces is based on an original idea by best-selling crime writer Val McDermid.
UKTV Original Traces is a suspense-filled crime thriller told from a fresh point of view, where forensic science takes centre stage. Set in Scotland and exploring the world of SIFA, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science, Traces centres on three very different female characters – Emma Hedges, Prof. Sarah Gordon and Prof. Kathy Torrance – who use forensics to uncover the truth about an unsolved murder case.
UKTV drama commissioner Philippa Collie Cousins said: “When the idea came over from RED it genuinely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The fantastic writing talent in Amelia Bullmore coupled with Nicola Shindler and the team at RED will make Alibi’s first ever drama commission something really quite special. With strong female characters this is Happy Valley meets Silent Witness, a dark and exciting show that I can’t wait for us to get cracking on.”
Alibi channel director Emma Ayech added: “Alibi has an incredibly engaged audience of passionate crime drama fans. It’s the perfect opportunity to grow our slate of scripted shows and give our viewers a brand-new UKTV Original series that we hope they will love.”
Nicola Shindler, founder and executive producer of RED Production Company, said: “I am really excited to be working with UKTV bringing Amelia’s compelling and original scripts to life. From the brilliant mind of Val McDermid this is a mystery I want the Alibi audience to find totally addictive.”
Liam Keelan, BBC Studios Scripted Portfolio Director, said: “Traces is exactly the type of captivating British crime thriller that we like to offer audiences internationally. It’s fresh and suspenseful, with a brilliant writing and production talent behind it. We are thrilled to be involved in this ground-breaking commission for UKTV – hopefully the first of many more projects to come. It’s great to be working with Nicola Shindler, and the team at RED again.”
Casting will be announced over the coming months, with the series due to air exclusively on Alibi in late 2019.
UKTV Original series Traces has been commissioned by Philippa Collie-Cousins with head of scripted Pete Thornton, and ordered by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning with Adrian Wills, general manager, Drama and Lifestyle.
The series will be produced by RED Production Company (a STUDIOCANAL company) and executive produced by Nicola Shindler (Safe, Butterfly, Happy Valley, Queer As Folk), Philippa Collie-Cousins for UKTV and Liam Keelan for BBC Studios.
Traces joins UKTV’s growing slate of scripted dramas including W’s Women on the Verge, co-written by Sharon Horgan and Lorna Martin, and the Anna Paquin-fronted Flack.
In 2018, UKTV Originals topped the ratings on six of UKTV’s channels (Dave, W, Gold, Drama, Yesterday and Really – and on UKTV Play).
BBC Studios is handling distribution internationally.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
