BBC reveals gritty new detective drama to rival Luther in first look pictures as Game of Thrones star leads cast
THE BBC has revealed a new gripping drama that could fill the gap left by hit series Luther.
Virdee is a six part series based on the detective novels of the same name by British author AA Dhand.
It follows the story of a detective who married a Muslim woman, meaning he’s now estranged from his Sikh family.
The drama is a showcase for Bradford, beginning it’s year as Capital of Culture, as the book and show is set entirely in the city and the author is also local.
The cast is lead by the hunky Game of Thrones and Rebel Moon star Staz Nair, who takes up the lead role of Harry Virdee.
The BBC will be hoping that his acting pedigree and brooding good looks will put Detective Virdee on a par with Idris Elba’s Luther.
Luther was a huge hit for the BBC during its five series from 2010 to 2019, before Idris hung up his big coat for good.
Meanwhile Staz’s on screen wife in Virdee, Saima, will be played by Aysha Kala, who fans may recognise from her roles in Channel 4’s Shameless and the Netflix comedy Man vs. Bee.
The cast also includes Vikash Bhai, who plays the detective’s brother in law and Virdee’s dad who’s played by Kulvinder Ghir, famous for his roles in Goodness Gracious Me, Bend It Like Beckham and Blinded by the Light.
Early images showing Staz appearing bruised and battered suggests viewers can expect to see lots of action as the story follows a turf war developing across the Yorkshire city.
Police and gangs are clashing and the murder of a young drug dealer brings Detective Virdee into direct conflict between his professional and private life.
The BBC have also given the show a dusting of Hollywood magic by recruiting one of the most famous film and TV music composers in the world to work with young, local talent on the project.
The multi-Oscar, Grammy and Bafta winning composer Hans Zimmer, who famously wrote the scores for films like The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean and Gladiator has composed the title track for the new series.
The show’s star Staz spoke about the show’s comparisons with other detective hits and said: “This show leads with vulnerability more than any detective drama I’ve ever seen. It’s a privilege to be bringing AA Dhand’s hope for his city to life.”
For writer and creator AA Dhand he’s thrilled to be working on a project in his home town saying: “It has been an honour and a privilege to write and produce this series set in my home town of Bradford.”
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.
Fans are already excited about the project and have been posting on socials saying: “AA Dhand’s books are brilliant. Strong narrative- can’t wait!!”
Staz’s fans in particular are keen to see if the actor can establish himself and take over the great detective mantle saying: “Can’t wait for this! I’m sure you will be amazing in it Staz. “
Virdee will air this February on BBC One and BBC iPlayer