UKTV has recommissioned two dramas, Traces from Red Production and We Hunt Together from BBC Studios, for its crime drama channel, Alibi.
RED Production Company’s Traces was based on an original idea by crime writer Val McDermid where forensic science takes centre stage. Amelia Bullmore returns to write the second series with Jess Williams (Grantchester, Call the Midwife). Casting and production team will be announced in the coming months with the series set to air in 2021.
Amelia Bullmore said: “It’s so exciting to be returning to Traces, and I’m loving working with Jess Williams.”
Set in Scotland and exploring the world of SIFA, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science, series one introduced Emma Hedges, Prof. Sarah Gordon and Prof. Kathy Torrance who together used the rigors of forensic science to uncover the truth about the murder of Emma’s mother.
Series two will continue to delve into the world of forensic science, as the women of SIFA carefully analyse traces of evidence to help get to the bottom of who’s behind a series of cruel bombings in Dundee. The city is on edge as the pressure rises to identify the mystery bomber before the next bomb goes off.
UKTV Original series Traces has been commissioned by Philippa Collie Cousins, drama commissioner with head of scripted Pete Thornton, and ordered by Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi. Richard Watsham is the director of commissioning and Adrian Wills is genre general manager for drama and lifestyle. The series will be produced by RED Production Company (a STUDIOCANAL company) and executive produced by Nicola Shindler (The Stranger, It’s A Sin, Butterfly, Happy Valley, Queer As Folk), Michaela Fereday (Safe, Years and Years)and Amelia Bullmore with Philippa Collie Cousins for UKTV and Martin Rakusen for BBC Studios.
Philippa Collie Cousins, said: “I am passionate about delivering the best of crime drama series to Alibi and ensuring they become much loved returners, resonating with UK and global audiences. Traces is ramping up with its hallmark forensic focus, nuanced characters and explosive surprises, it promises to be thought provoking and entertaining. The series is a fantastic piece of storytelling with three creatives at the very top of their game in Nicola, Amelia and Val.”
Emma Ayech, added: “We were all thrilled by the success of the first series on Alibi, and it is testament to the incredibly gripping storyline played out by some world class actors. I can’t wait to see what the second series has in store and welcome the viewers back into the world of SIFA.”
Nicola Shindler, executive producer, said: “I can’t wait to dive back into the world of Traces with the brilliant women of SIFA, tackling even more shocking crimes and facing up to all their own increasingly complicated lives.”
Series one of We Hunt Together (6×60’), produced by BBC Studios and written by Gaby Hull (Cheat, Two Weeks to Live), introduced two star-crossed killers, Baba and Freddy, who go on the run from the police after committing a series of brutal murders. Mismatched detectives DS Lola Franks and DI Jackson Mendy were assigned to the case and determined to stop the deadly duo in their tracks.
Series two will pick up ten months after the dramatic finale, with a potential new accomplice on the scene and another game of obsession, murder and love to get underway. This time the risks are higher, but so are the rewards.
Gaby Hull said: “It was a real pleasure developing series one with BBC Studios, UKTV and the incredible cast and crew. I’m excited to be able to keep the story going and see where the hunt takes us next.”
We Hunt Together has been commissioned by Philippa Collie Cousins, drama commissioner, with head of scripted Pete Thornton, and ordered by Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi. Richard Watsham is director of commissioning and Adrian Wills is general manager for drama and lifestyle. The series is written by Gaby Hull and executive producers for BBC Studios are Alexander Lamb and Priscilla Parish. BBC Studios is handling distribution internationally.
UKTV drama commissioner Philippa Collie Cousins said: “We Hunt Together is special because it examines the motives of the law breakers and the upholders of justice, while entertaining the audience during six thrilling episodes. Once again this will be must see TV for Alibi and an international audience.”
Alibi channel director Emma Ayech added: “We Hunt Together has been a standout series this year on Alibi, so we are really pleased to be able to bring our viewers more of this brilliant drama. Gaby Hull cleverly weaves dark humour into incredibly dramatic scenes, so I can’t wait to see what this new series has in store.”
Priscilla Parish, head of drama for BBC Studios, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with UKTV and Alibi again and diving back into the joyfully murky cat and mouse world of We Hunt Together.”
Jon Creamer
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