BEST-SELLING Scottish crime author Ian Rankin has written a TV series for Channel 4 that will see members of the public take on the role of detective and lead their own investigations.
Murder Island, which was filmed during the summer and airs next month, will blend factual, drama and competition formats.
Filmed on the Scottish island of Gigha, the six-part series is based around a murder plot, written and developed by Rankin, that stars a group of amateur detectives who will compete to solve a crime and build a “watertight case” that can stand up in court.
Murder Island is produced by STV Studios and Motion Content Group for Channel 4.
Rankin (pictured) is best known for his Inspector Rebus series of novels, which are set mainly in Edinburgh. He has published more than 20 novels, two short story collections and one original graphic novel.
Contestants on Murder Island will be overseen by some of the UK’s leading senior investigating officers.
Rankin said: “When it comes to writing a whodunit I usually call the shots, taking the reader only to the places I want them to visit and
showing them only the characters I want them to see. Murder Island is different.
“The detectives can follow any strand, uncovering clues as they go and asking the suspects any questions they like. Will I manage to stay one step ahead of them? I think I’ve constructed my twistiest story yet – so let’s see.”
Kelly Webb-Lamb, deputy director of programmes and head of popular factual at Channel 4, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with the world-renowned Ian Rankin, STV Studios and Motion in making this ambitious, challenging and genre-busting series.
“In a television first, members of the public step into the crime scene and compete to solve the murder.”
Craig Hunter, creative director of factual at STV Studios, said: “I’m thrilled that Ian agreed to work with us on this project.
“It was certainly a leap into the unknown when he set out to write the plot for Murder Island. But, in true Rankin fashion, he has created an incredible narrative, from which this exciting new format hangs...”
Melanie Darlaston, executive producer of Motion Content Group, said: “It has been a pleasure working with STV Studios on this innovative new C4 series. Ian Rankin’s plotline will no doubt keep our wannabe detectives – and viewers – guessing to the bitter end.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel