Channel 5 has commissioned of The Hoard (4 x 60”), a primetime thriller starring Neil Morrissey, James Buckley and Fay Ripley.
The series will be produced by Seven Seas Films, in association with Quay Street Productions and ITV Studios and will begin filming in the UK this month.
The Hoard is the story of keen detectorist Martin (Morrissey) and his wheeler dealer soon to be son-in-law Ashley (Buckley) who, while on a boys bonding trip in the idyllic fields of rural Somerset, discover a hoard of buried Saxon treasure worth millions. Legally, they should declare it, but Ashley spots an opportunity to look after number one, and as pressures are building at home with his wife Anne (Ripley), straight arrow Martin can’t help but have his head turned. It’s tempting. If they sell it on the black market, they could be set for life and Ashley has the connections to make it happen. But with a hoard this good, could it really be that easy? After all, they might not be the only ones out for its spoils.
Ordered for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 & Paramount+, The Hoard will be directed by Philip John (Outlander, Good Karma Hospital, Iron Fist) and written by Dan Sefton (Good Karma Hospital, The Mallorca Files, Trust Me), who is also Executive Producer for Seven Seas Films. Seven Seas Films also sees Simon Lupton as Series Producer and Barry Read as Line Producer. Nicola Shindler and Davina Earl are Executive Producers for Quay Street Productions.
On joining the cast of The Hoard, Neil Morrissey says “I’m delighted to be joining this project alongside the wonderful James Buckley and Fay Ripley. Martin is a character that most people will relate to, he’s a normal guy with a relatively happy life. But when he’s suddenly presented with this opportunity of a lifetime, there’s no telling what he might be capable of. I can’t wait to explore just how far he’s willing to go.”
James Buckley continues “I’m so excited to start filming The Hoard with this great cast and crew. Ashley is a guy who’s confident in his convictions, despite some questionable morals, but I have a feeling he might have bitten off more than he can chew with this one.”
Paul Testar comments “We are thrilled to be working with the talented teams at Seven Seas Films, Quay Street Productions, and ITV Studios to bring this unique thriller to Channel 5 audiences. I can’t wait to see this brilliant cast on our screens.”
Simon Lupton adds “Seven Seas Films is delighted to be able to bring the characters and story Dan has created to life. Martin is going to find temptation a frighteningly powerful adversary, which takes him into situations he is painfully unprepared for. We hope the viewers are thrilled by the twists and turns as he struggles to keep control and save his family. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by Channel 5 and ITV Studios, and the support of Quay Street Productions, which enables us to share this rollercoaster ride with audiences.”
Filming for the series begins in the UK this spring and is expected to air on Channel 5 in the UK later in 2023. ITV Studios will handle international distribution for The Hoard.
Neil Morrisey picture credit: Allan Jenkins
James Buckley picture credit: Joseph Sinclair
Jon Creamer
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