Crime writer, Lynda La Plante has written a prequel to her famed detective series, Prime Suspect. The series, which is set to air on ITV sometime next year, is simply entitled Tennison.
It has been reported that the broadcaster has commissioned six hour-long episodes, which will follow the young Jane Tennison at the start of her career in the Metropolitan Police.
The official synopsis for Tennison reads:
The character was originally played by Dame Helen Mirren.
“It’s Hackney in the 1970s, and women police constables are being uneasily ‘integrated’ into the force. We’re introduced to 22-year-old Jane, a probationary officer in a world where high-ranking police officers were notoriously chauvinistic, and the rules and regulations often bent. Single-minded and ambitious, if a touch naïve, Jane’s dedicated and instinctive approach to her career is evident from the start. Starting as a WPC on the beat, she is thrown in at the deep end, drawn into a brutal murder enquiry, and experiences first hand London’s violent criminal ganglands. She works alongside senior investigating officer DCI Bradfield, and in her first murder case, sees the devastating effects violent crime has on the victim’s family, as well as experiencing tragic ramifications herself.”
ITV’s Director of Drama, Steve November commented on the new show, stating: “I’m delighted Lynda has re-visited the iconic character of Jane Tennison. The scripts are brilliantly written and she perfectly captures the sights, sounds and mood of the 70s period.”
La Plante herself added: “I have very much enjoyed writing the young Jane, creating her family background and the start of her career in the police force.”
The original series began in 1991 and ran for seven seasons, with Dame Helen Mirren starring as DCI Tennison. The show also acted as a platform for various up-and-coming actors to debut their talent, with prolific performers such as Jonny Lee Miller, Peter Capaldi and Ralph Fiennes all kickstarting their careers on the programme.
Tennison will air on ITV at some point in 2016. Watch a trailer for the original series, below.
