Shetland star joins new BBC drama billed as ‘first of its kind’ for channel
A NEW BBC drama billed ‘first of its kind’ for the channel features a Shetland star in the lead role.
Murder mystery An t-Eilean (The Island) is described as the UK’s first ever high end Gaelic drama series.
The four-part series begins following the brutal murder of local tycoon’s wife at a remote island mansion.
It combines Gaelic dialogue with English and will air in early 2025 on BBC ALBA, BBC Four and iPlayer.
Leading the cast is Sorcha Groundsell as Kat Crichton, a young Family Liaison Officer assigned to investigate the case.
Sorcha previously played Bryd Fleming in Shetland – and had roles in Netflix‘s The Innocents and BBC fantasy drama His Dark Materials.
Meanwhile, An t-Eilean’s action takes place on the island of Lewis and Harris.
In a further mystery, Kat fled the island ten years earlier – under mysterious circumstances.
Discussing the upcoming drama, Sorcha Groundsell said: “This feels like a watershed moment for Gaelic.
“Across the world, we are seeing indigenous languages step confidently out from the shadows to enjoy the recognition they deserve.
“I see our show as part of that wider movement; a celebration of all that makes us unique.”
Continuing, she added: “Working on An t-Eilean has been a privilege and a joy.
“I’m so proud to have been part of a production that is pioneering these new horizons for Gaelic and showcasing the beauty, creativity and depth our language brings to the world.”
Joining Sorcha is Industry star Saga Radia, playing her boss DCI Ahmed Halim.
He said: “Being part of An t-Eilean has been an exciting experience for me.
“The show really allowed us to showcase the beauty of Gaelic culture and language in a way that feels authentic – it’s about bringing the islands’ rich history to life for viewers and I’m so proud to be part of that.”
Additionally, Ian Macrae stars as Sir Douglas, the patriarch of the wealthy, dysfunctional Maclean family.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
Wounded in the attack that killed his wife Lady Mary (Elspeth Turner), questions arise as to whether Sir Douglas was involved in some way.
Playing the four adult Maclean children are: Sinéad MacInnes as Eilidh, Andrew Macinnes as Calum, Meredith Brook as Sine and Sam James Smith as Ruaraidh.
Further cast members include Daibhidh Walker, Sharyn Ferguson, Carina MacLeod, Tormod Macleòid, MJ Deans, Iain “Spanish” Mackay and Julia Taudevin.
Directed by Tom Sullivan, An t-Eilean is co-written by Nicholas Osborne and Patsi Mackenzie.