AN IMPOSSIBLE WAY TO DIE: SHARON ROONEY AND EMMETT J. SCANLAN LEAD CAST OF NEW 5 THRILLER

5 today announces new drama commission An Impossible Way to Die, a gripping six-part thriller that sees a detective’s quiet local policing life upended when she’s thrust into a high-pressure investigation into a mysterious murder.

Set to air on 5 in 2027, An Impossible Way to Die is a character-driven, unpredictable crime drama exploring themes of identity, protection, power and corruption. The original series is produced by Clapperboard Studios (The Game, Girl Taken, Cooper & Fry) for 5, with DCD Rights handling international distribution.

DS Katie Salter (Sharon Rooney – My Mad Fat Diary, Daddy Issues) is happily solving everyday crimes until fate drags her into an impossible murder mystery. 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 victim’s mouths…

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 (Emmett J. Scanlan – MobLand, A Woman of Substance), lead investigator on the case. Salter’s measured, grounded approach clashes with Conway’s all-consuming dedication to the job.

At first, the two detectives appear fundamentally incompatible. Yet, as the investigation deepens and the pressure intensifies, Conway begins to recognise the value of Salter's empathy, optimism, and instinctive understanding of people.

As the case grows increasingly impossible, secrets are unearthed and conspiracies emerge, lives are put at risk as the detectives race against time to connect seemingly disparate cases and unmask a killer before it’s too late.

Further confirmed cast includes Lois Chimimba (Coldwater, Vigil), Jonny Lavelle (Down Cemetery Road, Black Mirror) and Ashley McGuire (This Country, This Is Going To Hurt).

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, 5 adds: “An Impossible Way to Die is exactly the kind of distinctive, compelling drama we want to bring to 5 audiences. Casting Sharon Rooney as a detective was the genesis of this thriller, and she brings something fresh and compelling to DS Katie Salter. With its brilliant premise, bold take on the detective genre, fantastic cast and Clapperboard’s flair for character-driven drama, we’re hugely excited to see the series come to life.”

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard Studios adds: “We’re delighted to be working again with two of the finest performers out there in Sharon and Emmett, alongside our fantastic cast and talented production team led by Adam and Amber. The scripts are really quite special - gripping, witty and insidious - and alongside our partners 5 and DCD we can’t wait to introduce the world to DS Salter who avoids all the tropes we’ve seen in television detectives down the years.”

An Impossible Way to Die was commissioned for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer. The series is executive produced by Clapperboard MD Mike Benson and Myf Hopkins (Little Disasters, The Castaways) for Clapperboard Studios, and produced by Amber Howorth (Legends, When Joan Kissed Barbara). Adam Wimpenny (Hotel Portofino, Madonna & Basquiat) joins as director.

Writers include newcomers Robin Ganderton and Rowena Johnson, who have penned Episodes 1 and 5. Ciara Conway (The Teacher 3, Granite Harbour) has written Episodes 2 and 6, Jillian Mannion (Blood, Sex & Royalty, Death in Paradise) has written Episode 3, and David Persiva (The Teacher 3) has written Episode 4.

An Impossible Way to Die is currently filming and is expected to air on 5 in 2027.