Ashley Jensen takes the lead in brand new Sky 1 HD christmas drama Agatha Raisin and The Quiche of Death
As part of Sky’s investment in original content and continuing the tradition of drama on the channel at Christmas, Sky 1 HD today (Friday 22nd August 2014) announces the commission of AGATHA RAISIN AND THE QUICHE OF DEATH, starring Ashley Jensen as PR turned detective Agatha Raisin
From Mammoth Screen (Endeavour, Parades End),and Free@Last TV (Martina Cole’s Lady Killers, Gina Las Vegas)and developed in association with Raydar Media, this 1x 120 contemporary and quirky crime drama written by Stewart Harcourt isbased on the highly successful novel series by M C Beaton, creator of Hamish Macbeth,and can be enjoyed by the whole family this Christmas on Sky 1 HD. December2013 saw a successful Christmas for Sky 1, Moonfleet starring Ray Winstone wasthe most watched programme in pay TV during the festive season. International distribution for AGATHA RAISIN AND THE QUICHE OF DEATH willbe handled by Sky Vision.
AGATHA RAISIN, PR whizz, gives up her successful life in London, landingwith a bang in the quiet village of Carsely with hopes of beginning a newdream life. Bored, lonely and used to getting her own way, Agatha findsthat life in the Cotswolds isn’t quite the picture-perfect existence sheimagined...and when her highflying city attitude is met with puzzlementand suspicion from country locals, Agatha enlists the few allies she canfind. Among them are DC BILL WONG, a lovelorn local policeman, GEMMA SIMPSON,her suffer-no-fools cleaning lady, and ROY SILVER, a faithful former assistantfrom London. But with her unique brand of feisty truth telling findinglittle favour, it seems the community is not quite ready for the acerbicAgatha.
In an attempt to ingratiate herself, Agatha enters the annual quiche makingcompetition and inadvertently becomes a suspect in a murder case. As her reputation sinks ever lower, and any hopes of romance with her dashingex-Army neighbour JAMES LACEY swiftly thwarted, Agatha has no choice butto clear her name and earn the respect of her fellow villagers. Determinedto wring out the truth, Agatha sets about solving the mystery of the quicheof death. Further casting to be announced.
Ashley Jensen comments: “I am absolutely delighted to be on board! It's not often a part like this comes along for a woman. Agatha Raisin is a strong forthright, independent, driven, successful woman, who is both funny and flawed, a real woman of our time.
Determined to fulfil her lifelong dream and in doing so discovers that all is not quite as rosy as she had anticipated, undeterred she finds a new purpose in her life!
Based on the hugely successful novels and filled with wonderful hilarious characters set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, it has all the ingredients for a great show.
I can't wait!”
Adam MacDonald, Director of Sky 1 HD comments: “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death is a contemporary, sharp and witty crime drama offering for the upcoming festive season. Sky 1 has a strong tradition of bringing customers original dramas at Christmas that the whole family can enjoy together. I am hugely excited to welcome Ashley to the channel and hope our customers enjoy watching Agatha’s entertaining journey from PR extraordinaire to enthusiastic quiche crime detective.”
The 1 x 120 minute Christmas crime drama was commissioned by Cameron Roach, Sky’s Acting Head of Drama, and will be produced by Mammoth Screen and Free@Last TV. The Executive Producers are Cameron Roach and Helen Gregory for Sky, Michele Buck and Karen Thrussell for Mammoth Screen and Barry Ryan and Kathleen Hutchison for Free@Last TV. The producer is Matthew Mulot and the director is Geoffrey Sax. Written and executive produced by Stewart Harcourt.
Filming begins in September in Bristol and the Cotswolds.
AGATHA RAISIN will air exclusively on Sky 1 HD thisChristmas, Sky customers will be able to catch up On Demand andwatch on the move with Sky Go.
This year Sky will invest £600 million a year in original British content and production across its portfolio of channels. This commitment includes entertainment shows GOT TO DANCE, BAFTA award winning A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN and DUCK QUACKS DON’T ECHO; dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MOONFLEET; comedies including STELLA, DOLL & EM and MOONE BOY; and factual shows as diverse as 50 WAYS TO KILL YOUR MAMMY, THE SOUTH BANK SHOW and ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD.
Notes to editor
For more information contact:
Rachel Tate
Publicist, Sky 1 HD
T: +44 (0)20 7032 6481
rachel.tate@bskyb.com
Louise Snell
Freelance Publicist, Sky 1 HD
T : +44 (0)20 7032 6481
louise.snell@bskyb.com
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