Glenn Close to lead new Channel 4 drama 'Maud'

She'll play a ruthless older woman with a tortured past!

Channel 4 has today announced that Glenn Close will star as the lead in their new six-part drama Maud, written by Nina Raine and Moses Raine and based on Helen Tursten's short story collections, An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good and An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed.

Glenn Close will play Maud Oldcastle, a hilariously brusque, cantankerous, and ruthless older woman… and those are her nice qualities. She's also a killer with a tortured past.

Determined to break from a lifetime spent caring for her sister, Maud sets out to claim a long-overdue second act… but a suspicious detective and an unrelenting world built for youth may soon discover just how far she’ll go to protect her freedom.

On taking on the role, Glenn Close said "I am honoured to be working with Channel 4, Sony and Playground to bring this highly original series to life. Nina and Moses Raine are deliciously brilliant writers and Maud Oldcastle is not like any character I have played before. I am thrilled to be a part of such a stellar team."

To which Channel 4's Acting Head of Drama, Gwawr Lloyd, added "Maud is a deliciously dark and daring drama and the amazing Glenn Close will bring a thrilling complexity to the role. We’re delighted to be working with Nina, Moses, Playground and Sony Pictures Television to bring this unique character to life and we can’t wait for audiences to meet Maud Oldcastle.”

Developed and produced by Playground for Sony Pictures Television, Maud will be produced by Morenike Williams and executive produced by Scott Huff and Colin Callender for Playground with Glenn Close, Nina Raine and Moses Raine.

Speaking about Maud, Scott Huff, Joint Managing Director, Playground said "Maud is precisely the kind of bold, character-focused drama we’re passionate about creating. Having the extraordinary Glenn Close join us to embody this remarkable character is a dream come true. Nina and Moses Raine have written a distinctive crime drama that explores modern themes with razor-sharp wit and insight. Channel 4’s commitment to bold storytelling makes them the ideal partner for this series, and we’re grateful to Gwawr Lloyd and Rebecca Holdsworth for their support. We’re equally thrilled to partner with Sony, whose backing and commitment have been pivotal in bringing this series to life."

To which Katherine Pope, President, Sony Pictures Television, added "We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Colin and Scott at Playground, along with their exceptional team, and Channel 4, known for their innovative programming. Maud is a series that perfectly depicts our commitment to distinctive and character-driven storytelling. Glenn Close's unparalleled talent brings extraordinary depth to this complex and captivating character, while Nina and Moses have crafted a wickedly intelligent script that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats."

Filming will take place in London later this year with further details announced in due course.

Maud will air on Channel 4