Today, ITV have released a first look image of Adrian Dunbar as retired Detective Inspector Alex Ridley in the new four-part drama.
Ridley has begun filming in Lancashire as Adrian Dunbar takes on the title role of the retired detective, who is now working in a consultancy role. He resumes his partnership with his former protégée, DI Carol Farman, played by Bronagh Waugh, who is now in charge of investigations.
The series will introduce us to charismatic Detective Inspector Alex Ridley, who is retiring from the police after years of dedicated service. Ridley’s replacement is DI Carol Farman, his former protégée whom Ridley mentored for many years.
When he's enlisted by Carol as a police consultant on a complex and compelling murder case, the investigation takes a dark and unexpected turn.
Turning to her old mentor for support, Carol is keen to access Ridley’s unique insight into crime-solving which has served them so well in the past. With more intriguing cases to solve, Ridley will revive his formidable and successful partnership with Carol.
Inspired by real-life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources, Ridley promises to explore thought-provoking crime stories in an original and distinctive way.
Speaking about the new drama, which will play out over four two-hour films, Adrian Dunbar said "Ridley has begun shooting and we really couldn’t be off to a better start. Despite the wintry weather, everything from cast and crew right down to the catering is excellent. Bronagh Waugh has stepped into her character’s shoes seamlessly and we have been joined by some great actors with more to come."
Filming across Northern England, the Ridley cast also includes Terence Maynard as DCI Paul Goodwin, George Bukhari as DC Darren Lakhan, Georgie Glen as pathologist Dr Wendy Newstone. The regular cast also includes Bhavna Limbachia, Aidan McArdle and Julie Graham.
Written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson, one of the lead writers on Vera, Ridley has been co-created by Jonathan Fisher who is the Managing Director of West Road Pictures. Both will act as Executive Producers alongside Ingrid Goodwin.
Whilst episodes one, two and four will be written by Paul Matthew Thompson, episode three will be written by Julia Gilbert, with Bryn Higgins directing episodes one and four, Noreen Kershaw directing episode two and Paul Gay directing episode three. And Juliet Charlesworth will produce all four episodes,
Executive Producer Jonathan Fisher said "It’s a real thrill for filming to be underway with such a top-rate cast starring alongside Adrian Dunbar and led by a superb production team. We can’t wait to share this absorbing new detective series with our audience."
Ridley will air on ITV