Sky is adding some drama to their Christmas schedule.
The satcaster’s flagship channel Sky1 has ordered Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death, a one-off drama starring Ashley Jensen which is being eyed as a key part of the broadcaster’s 2014 Christmas schedule, TVWise has learned.
Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death follows PR guru Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen), who gives up her successful career in London for a new “dream” life in the quiet village of Carsely. But she soon finds that life in the Cotswolds isn’t quite the picture-perfect existence she imagined and when her highflying city attitude is met with puzzlement and suspicion from country locals, Agatha enlists the few allies she can find. But it seems the community is not quite ready for the acerbic Agatha. In an attempt to ingratiate herself, Agatha enters the annual quiche making competition and inadvertently becomes a suspect in a murder case. And so, determined to clear her name, Agatha sets about solving the mystery of the quiche of death.
“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!”, said Ashley Jensen. “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!”
The one-off drama is based on the novel series by M C Beaton and was written by Treasure Island scribe Stewart Harcourt. Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death is being produced by Endeavour indie Mammoth Screen and [email protected] TV, who developed the drama alongside Raydar Media. Matthew Mulot is set as the producer and Geoff Sax is attached to direct. The executive producers are Stewart Harcourt Cameron Roach, Helen Gregory, Michele Buck, Karen Thrussell, Barry Ryan and Kathleen Hutchison. Production is set to commence this September in Bristol and the Cotswolds.
The greenlight for Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death follows on from last year’s Christmas drama Moonfleet, which featured a strong cast including Ray Winstone and Aneurin Barnard. Moonfleet was a success for Sky1, with the two-parter ranking as the most watched programme in pay TV during the festive season. Like Moonfleet before it, Agatha Raisin And The Quiche Of Death will be shopped to global broadcasters by BSkyB’s international distribution division Sky Vision.
“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”, said Sky1 Director Adam MacDonald. “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.”