BBC Daytime acquires Australian crime drama The Doctor Blake Mysteries

BBC Daytime has acquired the 10-part ABC TV hit crime drama, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, starring former Neighbours actor Craig McLachlan as maverick country town doctor Lucien Blake.

It’s 1959. Dr Blake has returned to a place he once called home, to take over his deceased father’s medical practice. Haunted by the horrors of the Second World War, his own personal loss and changed by his experiences as a POW, the wry, dry, yet very human Dr Blake undertakes his other role as police surgeon with precision and gusto – yet many find his unpredictable and unconventional manner unnerving. Ahead of his time, Blake looks to the science of forensics and his own understanding of the human heart to help solve the mysteries that inevitably come his way…

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition, says: “We are delighted that the unconventional Doctor Blake will be providing traditional Aussie grit and humour as well as intriguing and intelligent mystery to BBC Daytime’s successful drama line-up.”

Carole Sklan, Head of Fiction, ABCTV says: “The Dr Blake Mysteries showcases the creative work of outstanding Australian practitioners. It’s wonderful to know it not only connects strongly with local audiences but also resonates with audiences around the world.”

Other cast includes: Nadine Garner who plays housekeeper Jean Beazley, Cate Wolfe is district nurse Mattie O’Brien and Joel Tobeck as the tenacious Chief Superintendent Matthew Lawson.

The murder mystery series is a December Media Production in association with ABC TV, Screen Australia and Film Victoria. The Producer is George Adams and the Executive Producer is Tony Wright for December Media Production. The ABC Executive Producers are Christopher Gist and Carole Sklan.