Cooper and Fry: Downton Abbey star Robert James-Collier to headline the TV adaptation of Stephen Booth's best-selling novels

Robert James-Collier in Downton Abbey | Image via Carnival Films
Robert James-Collier in Downton Abbey | Image via Carnival Films

Cooper and Fry, the new detective series from Channel 5, is currently in the works. As is clear from the name, the upcoming series will be adapted from Stephen Booth’s popular novels revolving around the detectives of Peak District.

If this news wasn’t enough for fans of the novels getting excited, the announcement of Downton Abbey’s Robert James-Collier leading the drama might surely pique everyone’s interest. Other than James-Collier, Mandip Gill will also star in the upcoming series.

More on this in our story.


Downton Abbey’s Robert James-Collier to lead Cooper and Fry series

The logline of Cooper and Fry states:

"Thrown together to investigate a string of mysterious deaths, they must learn to work together to get results. As their personal lives begin to intertwine, a unique friendship begins to form... but it won't always be easy."

The series will take us to the popular fictional place, the Peak District, created by Stephen Booth in his Cooper and Fry novels. It will introduce us to the most random and unlikely pair of detectives who have to work together to solve the array of murders that have been taking place around them.

Robert James-Collier will play Ben Cooper, the charming and easygoing detective, a contrast to his role in Downton Abbey where he played the butler, Thomas Barrow, known for his cold-hearted and cunning personality.

He will be joined by Mandip Gill’s (known for her role as Doctor Who’s companion Yasmin Khan) cautious and reserved Diane Fry, the new detective in the Peak District. Due to their differing personalities, working together will bring much drama and chaos, but also a unique and heartwarming relationship when they begin to warm up to each other.

The Channel 5 series will have 4 episodes, each with a two-hour length, and will adapt four of Booth’s novels, namely, Black Dog, Blind To the Bones, Dancing with the Virgins, and Dying to Sin.


More about Cooper and Fry

Aside from confirming the lead actors, Channel 5 has not revealed any more actors yet. A release date for Cooper and Fry has not been confirmed either.

The TV show Cooper and Fry is among various other TV shows that were announced to be in works recently, such as Number One Fan and The Family Secret, among others. Paramount UK’s Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted, Sebastian Cardwell, stated how exited they are to announce the new segment of upcoming TV shows and said:

"We’re incredibly proud to unveil this new slate of scripted commissions, which showcases the breadth and ambition of 5’s storytelling. From brand new thrillers and character-driven mysteries to the much-anticipated return of audience favourites, we’re continuing to build a rich and distinctive drama offering."

He continued:

"These titles reflect our commitment to delivering compelling, accessible British drama that resonates with viewers across the UK. We look forward to announcing further titles in the coming months."

Keep reading Soap Central for more such updates.

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Edited by Ayesha Mendonca