Emer Kenny, the creator of ITV's hit crime drama Karen Pirie, has revealed the challenges of juggling her role as writer, executive producer and cast member while being a new mother. Her baby was just 12 weeks old when she began writing the second season, and 18 months old during filming. Kenny brought her son to Glasgow for three months of shooting.
Kenny credited her mother, not her husband Rick Edwards, as her secret weapon. 'My husband was away working in Germany at the Euros because he's a presenter, so I had my mum with me at all times,' she said. Edwards is a television presenter, known for hosting shows such as Hollyoaks and E4 Music.
The second season of Karen Pirie sees Lauren Lyle reprise her role as the sharp Scottish detective. Based on Val McDermid's novel A Darker Domain, the series follows Karen as she investigates the 1984 disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son. When a body is found in a remote quarry, the case is reopened.
Kenny admitted feeling daunted by the pressure to match the success of the first season. 'Season one was my first time writing a show. Coming back, you really hope you can match the energy and bring another good story,' she said. The new season also explores Karen's love life, with a secret romance with DS Phil Parhatka, played by Zach Wyatt.
Lyle described Karen's struggle to balance career and relationships. 'Karen's under the impression a woman can only have one of the other - a career or a home life,' she said. The show's humour was inspired by Miss Congeniality, with Lyle and Kenny citing Sandra Bullock's character as a touchstone.
