Karen Pirie fans should keep an eye out for a "riveting" new BBC psychological thriller that is in the works.
The Ridge features the ITV drama's own Lauren Lyle in the role of a woman called Mia, who heads to her sister's wedding in New Zealand only to find her sibling dead, leading to secrets and tensions with the local community.
Also starring Top of the Lake's Jay Ryan, the series comes from Nora Chassler, an author whose works include Madame Bildungsroman’s Optimistic Worldview and Miss Thing, alongside BAFTA Scotland-winner David Murdoch (Spare Parts).
Alan Campbell, Kate McDermott (My Life Is Murder) and Jess Sayer (Shortland Street) have co-written the six-part series, while Douglas Mackinnon (Doctor Who) and Robyn Grace (Sweet Tooth) are on board as directors.
Lyle – who plays the titular role in Karen Pirie – said she was "very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life".
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"Mia is such a fascinating character in a very weird world which is quite delicious to play," she added. "It feels like something very bad is going to play out… in a good way! New Zealand is also a second home to me so it's a joy to be back."
Ryan added: "I couldn’t refuse a trip back home for this production that brilliantly weaves our cultures and folklore together in a tense and riveting series. This really is an ambitious work with characters that will leave you guessing at every turn."
Filming on the project began earlier this year, with BBC Scotland commissioning editor Gavin Smith saying: "We’re delighted that The Ridge has started filming.
"This is a hugely exciting commission for BBC Scotland and is an example of our ambition to look beyond borders to bring high end quality drama to audiences not just in Scotland but across the world. The Ridge has a first class international team bringing it to life which we are proud to be a part of."
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The series is a co-production between BBC Scotland and Sky New Zealand Originals, and counts Ivan Schneeberg, David Fortier, Jon Rutherford and Erik Pack as executive producers.
New Zealand's Great Southern Studios, which is behind shows such as One Lane Bridge, and Scotland's Sinner Films (Untamed, The Most Assassinated Woman in the World) have also produced.
"Sky NZ Originals is extremely proud to team up with BBC Scotland on this co-commission," said head of Sky NZ Originals Thomas Robins. "With Great Southern Studios at the helm, and Lauren and Jay leading the cast, The Ridge is sure to be an unmissable, world-class drama."
What is The Ridge about?
The Ridge focuses on Mia, who is "fleeing addiction" and "leaving behind a professional life in tatters" in Scotland.
"She accepts a wedding invitation from her estranged sister in New Zealand – only to find the would-be-bride dead upon arrival," the synopsis adds.
"Caught up in grief and pulled by a dark attraction to her late-sister’s fiancé Ewan played by New Zealand star Jay Ryan, Mia soon finds that familiarity among a small community breeds secrets and tensions, endangering the brittle fabric of the town itself."
When will The Ridge air?
An exact release date is yet to be announced, though the BBC has confirmed that the series will air later in 2025 – so we should expect The Ridge by Christmas at the latest.
The Ridge will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
