ITV Revives Classic Detective Series with Groundbreaking Female-Led Cast
ITV has officially commissioned a six-part revival of the beloved detective series Dalziel and Pascoe, with a major twist that sets it apart from its predecessor. The new adaptation will feature female actors in both lead roles, a significant departure from the original BBC version that starred Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan.
Fresh Faces for Iconic Characters
Actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, aged 52, will portray Detective Inspector Andrea Dalziel, taking over the role originally played by Warren Clarke. Godliman's Dalziel is described as a seasoned police officer who isn't afraid to bend the rules to achieve results. Meanwhile, Nina Singh, known for her role in Virdee, will play Detective Sergeant Paige Pascoe, the younger by-the-book counterpart to Godliman's more unconventional detective.
Godliman expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating: "I'm so chuffed to be playing the assertively charming DI Andrea Dalziel. It's a juicy role as she's such an interesting personality - accomplished at her job, warm, but also direct to the point of being abrasive. Weary and warm-hearted. Lots to get my teeth into as we reimagine Dalziel and Pascoe to a new audience."
Singh, aged 30, shared her excitement about joining the project: "It's an absolute honour to be playing Pascoe to Kerry Godliman's Dalziel. I find Kerry hilarious, so I know at times I'll struggle not to be laughing. The writing team have incorporated humour so well into the scripts at the same time as keeping you constantly guessing what'll happen next – in true Dalziel and Pascoe form."
A Contemporary Reimagining of Reginald Hill's Novels
The new series will be based on the same Reginald Hill novels that inspired the original adaptation, but with what producers describe as a "fresh and contemporary reimagining" for modern audiences. While the original series was set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton, details about the location for the reboot remain undisclosed.
Nana Hughes, ITV's scripted comedy boss, explained the network's interest in the project: "Dalziel and Pascoe with a female-led cast is what caught our eye on this one. Kerry Godliman and Nina Singh will bring a fresh perspective to the series."
Legacy of the Original Series
The original Dalziel and Pascoe series enjoyed tremendous success during its run on BBC1 from 1996 to 2007, attracting audiences of up to 10 million viewers across twelve series. The show became one of Britain's best-loved police dramas, celebrated for the chemistry between its lead characters and the humorous dynamic that developed despite their contrasting investigative approaches.
Executive producer Jonathan Fisher of West Road Pictures expressed confidence in the new casting: "I was certain the new actors would breathe new life into these iconic characters."
Production Details and Broadcast Plans
Filming for the six-part series is scheduled to begin this spring, with the drama expected to air on ITV later this year. The show will also be available on Britbox, marking another high-profile addition to the streaming service's original programming lineup.
This revival follows the passing of original star Warren Clarke in 2014 and comes nearly two decades after the original series concluded. Colin Buchanan, who played Pascoe in the BBC version, has continued acting in various roles since the show ended, including appearances on Casualty.
Female-Led Police Dramas Find Success
ITV's decision to cast female leads in Dalziel and Pascoe follows a successful tradition of female-led police dramas on British television. The network previously found success with Scott & Bailey, starring Susanne Jones and Lesley Sharp, which ran for five series from 2011 and attracted audiences exceeding 9 million viewers.
This casting choice also echoes the popularity of earlier female-led police dramas like Cagney and Lacey, which proved hugely popular when broadcast by the BBC in the 1980s. The new Dalziel and Pascoe represents ITV's latest investment in reimagining classic formats with contemporary perspectives that reflect evolving audience expectations and casting practices in the television industry.
