Fans of the cerebral detective series The Inspector Lynley Mysteries have reason to celebrate, as the BBC has officially revived the show with a brand-new reboot, two decades after its original television debut.
A New Face for a Beloved Detective
The iconic role of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, originally portrayed by Nathaniel Parker in the series that ran from 2001 to 2008, will now be taken on by 32-year-old actor Leo Suter. He will be joined by Sofia Barclay, 37, who steps into the shoes of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, a role previously held by Sharon Small.
The reboot, which was confirmed by BBC executives earlier this year, has completed a five-month filming period. Leo Suter, best known for his role as Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla, was only eight years old when the original series first aired. He admitted to having no prior familiarity with Elizabeth George's source novels before his audition, making the character a fresh discovery.
In an interview, Suter expressed his honour in taking on a character with such a dedicated following. 'It's such a privilege getting to play a character who already has a devoted fan base,' he said. 'I was only eight years old when the first Lynley series came out on TV, so it was a little before my time. But I really enjoyed watching Nat Parker’s interpretation as part of my preparation.'
Honouring the Past, Forging a New Path
Suter emphasised the delicate balance of respecting the original while bringing his own perspective to the role. He stated it was crucial to 'pay respect and homage to the previous version but also to be brave enough to put out one's own interpretation of the character.' Beyond the intellectual challenge, the actor confessed there is something 'really satisfying' about playing a TV detective, notably the perk of getting to 'zip around in vintage sports cars.'
The new series will see DI Lynley assigned to the Three Counties Major Investigation Team, tackling major crimes across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire. The production boasts a strong creative pedigree, having been developed by Steve Thompson, a writer famed for his work on the hit series Sherlock.
Broadcast Details and Supporting Cast
Mark your calendars: Inspector Lynley will premiere on BBC One at 8:30pm on Friday, January 5. The episode will be available to stream immediately afterwards on BBC iPlayer for those eager to binge-watch.
The supporting cast features several notable names, including:
- Catherine Russell as Helen Lynley
- Lesley Vickerage as Helen Clyde
- Paul Hickey as Lafferty
- Shaun Parkes as DC Winston Nkata
In separate but exciting news for the BBC's entertainment slate, it was also confirmed that Claudia Winkleman will launch her own primetime Friday chat show in 2026. Produced by Graham Norton's So Television, Winkleman described the opportunity as an 'amazing' one, promising to pour her passion into the project.
