UKTV COMMISSION TV ADAPTATION OF RADIO 4 DRAMA ANNIKA

UKTV announce the commission of Annika (6x60'). The six-part series is based on the successful Radio 4 drama, written by Nick Walker and will see Olivier-award-winner Nicola Walker (The Split, Unforgotten) bring the leading character, DI Annika Strandhed, to screen.

Annika follows the sharp, witty and enigmatic DI Annika Strandhed (Walker), as she heads up a new specialist Marine Homicide Unit (MHU) that is tasked with investigating the unexplained, brutal, and seemingly unfathomable murders that wash up in the waterways of Scotland. Throughout the series, Annika makes the audience her confidante by breaking the fourth wall and sharing her wry observations on the case and her life, as she manages her brilliant yet unconventional team, and her equally brilliant yet complex teenage daughter.

Nicola Walker said: "Annika navigates the world, her work and her home life in fabulously unique and unusual ways and I can't wait to see her come to life in Scotland."

Phillippa Collie Cousins, UKTV drama commissioner, said: "Our new detective series Annika is a breath of fresh air: a whip smart detective, great cases and the glorious Scottish scenery. Nicola Walker has been integral in helping us develop her character, creating a maverick female detective who not only has Norwegian ancestry, but is dryly funny, a chaotic parent and a fish out of water. We're also really excited to have a diverse writer's room with lead writer, Nick Walker and emerging talents, Frances Poet and Lucia Haynes."

Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi, added: "We're so excited to bring Annika to life in a brand-new TV adaptation. Nicola Walker is a fantastic lead, making this series a brilliant addition to our growing portfolio of UKTV Original dramas on Alibi."

Further casting will be announced over the coming months, with the series due to air on Alibi in 2021.