C5, Acorn TV adaptation of Reverend Richard Cole’s novel

Channel 5 and AMC Networks’ Acorn TV have announced the commission of a new murder mystery drama series, Murder before evensong (6×60′), based on the first novel in the Sunday Times bestselling series by British author Reverend Richard Coles.

Matthew Lewis, best known as Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter film series, will star as Canon Daniel Clement, who shares Champton Rectory with his widowed mother and her two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.

When Daniel announces a plan to install a toilet in the church, the parish is suddenly (and unexpectedly) divided: as lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the village’s apparent tranquility. And then Anthony Bowness – cousin of Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton – is found dead at the back of the church, stabbed in the neck with a secateur. When the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try to hold his divided community together… and catch a killer.

The series will be adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach (Lewis, DCI Banks, Midsomer Murders) and directed by David Moore (Fool Me Once, Outlander, Shetland, Marple).

Reverend Richard Coles and Radford Neville are executive producers for The Lighthouse, along with Catherine Mackin and Don Klees for Acorn TV. The six-part series was commissioned for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, who will also act as Executive Producer.

The Reverend Richard Coles said: “I’m very excited that Canon Clement and his flock will be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse and I’m already planning my appearance. Look out for a creepy Archdeacon on a sit- and beggar bike!”

Matthew Lewis added: “I’m very excited to put on the old dog collar and dive into Champton’s world, so charmingly created by Reverend Richard Coles. I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he has written. It’s an honor to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring Canon Clement’s character to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike.”

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 commented: “We can’t wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, which mixes intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character. Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series, it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life.”

Radford Neville, Executive Producer and Director of The Lighthouse added: “We can’t wait to bring Richard’s fantastical world of priests, miniature dachshunds and bloody murder to audiences around the globe in this complex and gripping mystery.”

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV) adds: “Richard’s brilliantly layered storytelling, offering surprise and delight around every corner, is the exact crime-focused fare that Acorn TV’s intellectually curious audience craves. Matthew’s embodiment of canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation that we can’t wait to see, and we’re excited to be working with Richard, Nick, David, Matthew, and our partners at The Lighthouse and Channel 5 to bring this highly acclaimed bestseller to the small screen.”

Paul Ashton, Head of Film & TV, Creative UK adds: “West Midlands Production Fund is delighted to support the show at such an important time for the region’s profile as a home for high-end television – with what we hope will be an instant hit with audiences.”

The series will begin filming in 2025 in the West Midlands with support from the West Midlands Production Fund and is due to air later this year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 in the UK. Acorn TV retains worldwide rights to Murder Before Evensong outside the UK with AMC Networks handling global content sales.

Jon Creamer

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