Sharon Rooney, known for Celebrity Traitors, has been confirmed as the lead in a new Channel 5 crime drama, An Impossible Way to Die, opposite Emmett J Scanlan. The 37-year-old actress from Glasgow plays a "smart" detective in the thriller, which the broadcaster describes as "gripping".
Murder mystery at a dinner party
The six-part series follows the investigation into a mysterious murder after four people are found dead around a dinner table while attending a party. The drama is due to broadcast in 2027 and has been written by Death in Paradise's Jillian Mannion, together with Ciara Conway, David Persiva, Robin Ganderton, and Rowena Johnson.
Adam Wimpenny directs the thriller, which is executive-produced by Clapperboard's Mike Benson and Myf Hopkins, with Amber Howorth serving as producer.
Detective duo clash
Rooney's character, DS Katie Salter, has her peaceful life in local policing upended when she is thrown into an intense murder investigation alongside DI Niall Conway, portrayed by Scanlan. Billed as a character-driven, unpredictable drama delving into themes of identity, protection, power and corruption, the story sees DS Katie Salter "happily solving everyday crimes until fate drags her into an impossible murder mystery".
The synopsis continues: "Four people sat around a table seemingly set for a dinner party – except they are all dead. The only clue is a scorpion crawling out of one of the victims' mouths."
It adds: "Salter is not your stereotypical damaged and tormented TV detective. Smart, diligent, and committed to her family, tensions quickly surface when Salter is partnered with DI Niall Conway, lead investigator on the case. Salter's measured, grounded approach clashes with Conway's all-consuming dedication to the job."
Cast and release
Rooney is widely recognised for her portrayal of Rae Earl in My Mad Fat Diary and is currently competing in the latest series of The Celebrity Traitors. Scanlan is celebrated for his role as Paul O'Donnell in Paramount+ crime drama MobLand, with other recent credits including A Working Man, Gangs of London, and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast.
Coldwater and Vigil star Lois Chimimba will appear alongside Rooney and Scanlan, joined by Black Mirror's Jonny Lavelle and This Country's Ashley McGuire. An Impossible Way to Die will air on Channel 5 in 2027.
