Crime drama returns full series

Sky has recommissioned a full series of quirky crime drama, Agatha Raisin starring Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty) as the title character.

Based on MC Beaton’s books, the new 8-part series written by Stewart Harcourt (Love & Marriage) and Chris Murray (Midsomer Murders), follows the success of last year’s one-off Christmas special, Agatha Raisin and The Quiche of Death. The new stories are titled: Walkers of Dembley, Hell’s Bells, Wellspring of Death, Potted Gardener, Vicious vet, Day the Floods Came, Witch of Wyckhadden and Murderous Marriage.

Also reprising their roles will be, Mathew Horne (Gavin and Stacey) who plays best friend Roy; Katy Wix (Not Going Out) who plays Ashley’s cleaning lady Gemma; Matt McCooey and Jason Barnett as unlikely crime fighting duo PC Wong and DI Wilkes and Jamie Glover (Luther) as Agatha’s on-off love interest James.

Adam McDonald , Director of Sky 1 comments: “The Quiche of Death quickly established itself as a favourite amongst Sky 1 customers so I’m delighted to be welcoming Agatha Raisin and her escapades back to the channel. Fortunately, thanks to the incredibly talented MC Beaton we had another 24 brilliant stories to choose from.”

Agatha Raisin is made by Mammoth Screen, Free@Last TV and developed in association with Raydar Media. Filming will begin in the Cotswolds this summer.