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Bookish – Daniel Mays Joins Mark Gatiss Series

It’s been a busy and exciting week for Daniel Mays including the announcement that he has joined the cast of the upcoming Mark Gatiss series Bookish for UKTV’s Alibi channel. Filming commences soon in Belgium.

UKTV’s catalogue of original drama continues to grow, with the commission of six-part series, Bookish (6×70′) for its specialist crime drama channel Alibi. The UKTV original series has been created by Emmy Award-winning writer Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock) and is produced by Eagle Eye Drama. As international partner, Beta Film will handle the world sales.

Mark Gatiss writes and stars as the erudite and unconventional Gabriel Book who, from his antiquarian bookshop, helps the police to solve a variety of mysterious crimes. With three main cases in the series, each storyline spans two-episode instalments. The series will air on Alibi in 2025.

Mark Gatiss said To misquote Goodfellas: “All my life I’ve wanted to be a detective!” I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this series to the screen, and to plunge viewers into our intoxicating version of post-War London. It’s an under-examined time and an under-examined world and Bookish is the strange, funny and thrilling show that I’ve always wanted to make.

Starring alongside Mark Gatiss will be Polly Walker (Bridgerton, Line of Duty) who plays Book’s colourful wife Trottie. Bookish will also feature a wealth of guest stars, including Joely Richardson (The Gentleman, The Ballad of Renegade Nell), Daniel Mays (The Long Shadow, Code 404) and Jonas Nay (Deutschland 83, Concordia). Other returning core cast members include Connor Finch (Everything I Know About Love) as Jack, Olivier award-winner Elliot Levey (We Were the Lucky ones, Quiz) as Inspector Bliss and Buket Kömür (Our House) as Nora.

London, 1946 is the dynamic, dangerous and chaotic setting for this stylish new detective drama, with the eccentric Gabriel Book (Gatiss) at the very heart of the story: a self-appointed consultant detective to the local police. The thousands of books that line the shelves of his shop provide him with all the knowledge he needs.

Book has gathered around him a host of lovable, damaged misfits whom he informally protects, cajoles, and mentors. His wife Trottie (Walker) runs the wallpaper shop next door. She’s a charismatic adventuress whom Book loves deeply but not physically, for they are in a ‘lavender’ marriage to help conceal Book’s sexual orientation in a time when it was illegal to be gay.

Bookish marries post-war nostalgia with the reckless and life-affirming atmosphere of the times, creating a fast-paced and stylish detective drama.

The UKTV Original series has been commissioned by Helen Perry, head of drama for UKTV, and ordered by Emma Ayech, channel director for Alibi, and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. Executive producers for Eagle Eye Drama are Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino. The series is co-written with Matthew Sweet and will be directed by Carolina Giammetta (Suspect S2, Hollington Drive) and produced by Christopher Arcache (Hotel Portofino).

Helen Perry said: “UKTV is the home for writers’ passion projects, and we are so proud to be working with the exceptionally talented Mark Gatiss on his, along with the effervescent team at Eagle Eye. Mark’s unique detective thriller is full of wit and heart, with a central platonic love story that is sure to enthral audiences. And because Book is a gay man, at a time when it was illegal to be so, we are proud that the drama shines a light on an important LGBTQ+ story. The star-studded cast Eagle Eye have already put together is tribute to the sure-fire hit Bookish is to become.”

Emma Ayech added: “The story and setting of this brand-new drama is perfect for the Alibi audience and I’m excited to see how the wonderful cast and crew bring it to life on screen. We have a wealth of UKTV original dramas coming down the track and I’m thrilled we’re adding this fantastic addition into the mix.”

Jo McGrath, chief creative officer for Eagle Eye Drama said: “There are some characters, some ideas that just leap off the page and demand to be realised. Book, Trottie and the clever crimes Mark Gatiss has woven around the precinct of Archangel Lane is one of those projects. The answer to every crime can be found in a book and in Bookish, Mark Gatiss has created a unique, memorable and stand out new detective series.”

Oliver Bachert, chief distribution officer, Beta Film commented: “With Bookish, we are thrilled to unveil a truly unique and compelling series that blends a classic detective story with the rich tapestry of post-war London, brought to life by the brilliant Mark Gatiss. With its mix of mystery, history, and heartfelt drama, it is another milestone in our successful partnership with Eagle Eye Drama. Bookish is sure to become a great example of a sophisticated crime drama and instant classic for audiences around the world. We’re proud to bring this exciting series to the global stage.”

The series is being produced in association with Happy Duck Films and is supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.

Check back for more updates on this exciting new series!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9 and Instagram @danielmays9 and Threads @danielmays9

Code 404 – Press Updates

Code 404 starring Daniel Mays and Stephen Graham premiers on Sky Wednesday 29 April at 10PM! All episode will be available on NOWTV the same day for binge watching. 

Code 404 revolves around two Detective Inspectors, DI John Major (Daniel Mays) and DI Roy Carver (Stephen Graham), who are the top crime fighting duo in the Unit. But when an undercover sting goes horribly wrong, Major is gunned down on the job and killed. How will the SIU function without Major? It doesn’t have to. As an ‘asset’ considered too valuable to lose, Major’s body is fast-tracked into an experimental Artificial Intelligence project to bring him back from the dead. The only problem is, Major 2.0 may look like and sound like the original, but something has been lost in translation – quite a lot actually. Somehow, Major’s error-strewn hunches and Carver’s scrambling to make good allows them to just about scrape by.

A little sneak peek from NowTV twitter:

 Ahead of the premiere Danny has been doing some press:

Sunday Brunch

Soccer AM

Radio Times

BBC The One Show

Zoe Ball Breakfast Show

BBC Radio 5 Live

Saturday Live BBC Radio 4

Plot Twist podcast

The Version

Talk Radio – Jamie East Show: Just after 14:30

Sky Press interview and Q&A  – YouTube

The Guardian

Daily Mail

Esquire 

7 Questions with Daniel Mays & Stephen Graham

hmv Presents: My Inspiration Podcast – Daniel Mays

The Version

Makes sure to tune in on Sky on the 29th at 10PM or binge-watch/catch-up on NowTV!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

 

The Kemps: All True

On Friday, Daniel Mays was announced as joining the cast of The Kemps: All True.

Spandau Ballet global superstars Gary and Martin Kemp are to star in a new one-off spoof documentary, playing themselves recording a new album.

Made by BBC Studios, The Kemps: All True will see Rhys Thomas OBE interview the pair about their lives and careers following Spandau Ballet’s 40th anniversary celebrations in December. As part of Spandau Ballet, the pair have sold more than 25 million albums with 23 hit singles worldwide, and in 2011 they received a BMI award after hit single True became one of the most played songs in US history.

As well as looking back at their musical history, The Kemps: All True sees the Kemps other passions: Martin attempts to launch a new film franchise and Gary plans a new Vegan meat-substitute, Wonge.

Perry Benson (The Real McCoy, Operation Good Guys, Benidorm, Oh You Rang M’Lord?) features as their brother ‘Ross Kemp’. The Kemps: All True also features Simon Day (The Life Of Rock with Brian Pern, The Fast Show), Anna Maxwell Martin (Line Of Duty, Motherland), Daniel Mays (Line Of Duty, Good Omens), Alan Ford (Snatch, Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels), Shirlie Holliman (Pepsi & Shirlie), Lucy Montgomery (Tracey Ullman’s Show, The Life Of Rock With Brian Pern, The Fast Show), Tony Way (Extras, Black Books, After Life) and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who).

Martin Kemp says: “After being known as Roman Kemp’s dad for a few months, I’m really happy to be getting back in the limelight and being known for being that one from Spandau Ballet who hit someone over the head with an ashtray in EastEnders; as well as spending some time with my brothers, Gary and Ross.”

Gary Kemp says: “I’m thrilled that the BBC is making this probing documentary into the lives of my brother and me, and great to be in the delicate yet blood-stained hands of the wonderful Rhys Thomas. Anyone who knows Rhys’s work can expect a little more probing than is usual. Our lawyers await.”

Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy says: “I had to look up the word hagiography in relation to this… as it’s the complete opposite of that. Fair play to Gary and Martin for being good sports and going along with the screwball comedy brain of Rhys Thomas.”

Cassian Harrison, Controller of BBC Four, says: “It’s ‘True’ that BBC Four has always supported the most outstanding talents in British music. After 40 years, the Kemp brothers are clearly indestructible and we’re delighted we can assist them in their attempts to go for ‘Gold’ again. I for one wish them the best of luck!”

The Kemps: All True is a BBC Studios production for BBC Four. It has been commissioned by Cassian Harrison, Controller of BBC Four, and Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy, and will be Executive Produced by Ben Caudell. Rhys Thomas will direct and produce and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Alex Moody.

Transmission details will be confirmed in due course

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

The Interrogation – Channel 4

Filming has begun on Channel’s 4 The Interrogation starring Daniel Mays and Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9 and Daniel’s recent co-star in Sky Arts Bill Grundy vs. The Sex Pistols). Daniel Mays will portray DC Stuart Peters and Steve Pemberton will portray Tony Martin.

From Channel 4 Press:
Specialist Factual has commissioned from Story Films a 1 x 60 mins ground breaking factual drama The Interrogation (working title). Inside No 9 star and BAFTA winner Steve Pemberton (Happy Valley, Whitechapel, Benidorm) will play Tony Martin who was sentenced to life after shooting dead 16 year old burglar Fred Barras.

Alongside Pemberton will be Daniel Mays(Line of Duty, Born to Kill) and Stuart Graham (The Fall, Thirteen, Hunger). The drama is written and directed by David Nath for Story Films. Nath is the award winning filmmaker behind BAFTA-winning documentary The Murder Detectives and C4 drama The Watchman.

The Interrogation (working title) will offer up an account of the three days of police questioning following his arrest for shooting two burglars who broke into his farmhouse in 1999. At his trial Martin argued he had used reasonable force to defend himself and his property. His conviction provoked public outcry and the case became a national cause celebre.

Martin successfully appealed against his conviction. As a result it was reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and he was released from prison after serving three years.

Executive Producer Peter Beard said: “This is the missing part of an extraordinary story that captivated and divided the country. Finally we will hear exactly what Tony Martin told detectives in the confines of a police interview room just hours after he was arrested. For the first time it’s his own account in his words.”

Acting Head of Specialist Factual Rob Coldstream added “This thought provoking film sheds new light onto the Tony Martin story, illuminating an issue that touched a raw public nerve at the time and – as events surrounding the recent burglary case in London’s Hither Green demonstrate – continues to do so today.

Steve Pemberton continued; ‘”This is a fascinating story which divided public opinion at the time – and is currently even more poignant. Now we finally get to hear the account directly from Tony Martin, I’m looking forward to being part of such a ground breaking drama.”

Daniel Mays tweeted from the rehearsal room in London:

Commissioning Editors: Rob Coldstream and John Hay|
Producer: Kate Cook (The Watchman, Unspeakable)
Executive Producer: Jonathan Smith (24 Hours in Police Custody)Peter Beard
Production Company: Story Films

Also reported in The Sun on 23/4/18.

We will have updates on this new project soon!

Follow Daniel Mays on Twitter @DanielMays9

©DanielMays.co.uk

Filming News: Line of Duty

 

 

Filming on Line of Duty series 3 has begun!

Speaking about the role, Daniel Mays says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the unbelievably talented cast of Line Of Duty series three. Jed Mercurio has once again delivered a thrilling and emotionally raw script, which I feel incredibly honoured to be a part of.”

Daniel Mays will play Sergeant Danny Waldron, the highly proficient leader of an Armed Response Unit whose unpredictable behaviour is becoming a threat to colleagues and suspects. When AC-12 are called in to investigate Danny’s conduct, even they could find themselves in the firing line. Mays joins returning cast Martin Compston as Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure as Detective Constable Kate Fleming and Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings. 

Daniel Mays official Twitter 

 BBC Two Line of Duty

©Team Daniel Mays

Seekers returning to bbc radio 4

The very funny radio series Seekers will be returning to BBC Radio 4 for series 2. Seekers is written by Steve Burge and stars Daniel Mays, Mathew Horne, Tony Paul Way, and others.

Seekers is a sitcom about a Job Centre in the Essex town of Rayleigh. Daniel Mays portrays Joe: Joe doesn’t need a job – winding up Stuart is a full-time occupation already.

Will have more information regarding transmission dates in the near future.

Team DM

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