DCI Banks returns for a four series

ITV recommissions detective drama starring Stephen Tompkinson

A new series of contemporary crime drama DCI Banks will return for a six-part series starring Stephen Tompkinson, Andrea Lowe and Caroline Catz, ITV confirmed today.

Produced by award-winning indie Left Bank Pictures, the new series will comprise 6 x 60' original episodes inspired by the books written by acclaimed novelist Peter Robinson. Filming will take place in Yorkshire later this month.

Stephen Tompkinson reprises his role as DCI Alan Banks with Andrea Lowe (Love Life, Monroe) playing DS Annie Cabbot and Caroline Catz (Doc Martin) as DI Helen Morton. Well renowned actors Keith Barron and Polly Hemmingway also return as Banks' parents, Arthur and Ida.

With a reputation for delivering credible and emotional crime stories that are firmly rooted in the Yorkshire setting, DCI Banks has become a firm favourite with ITV viewers. This fourth series will feature powerful personal stories for the lead characters, both in their private lives and in their work environment; a deeper exploration of Banks' relationship with his parents, further complications in Annie and Banks on/off romance and a personal crisis that threatens Helen's career.

The first story, What Will Survive, revolves around a young woman found buried alive and her connections to a man, his autistic son and a family that seem to have silenced the town. We also see Banks' life turned upside down by tragic events in his own family. What Will Survive is written by Nicholas Hicks-Beach (Law & Order: UK, Lewis, Letters From A Killer). Home, is written by Noel Farragher (Law & Order: UK, Inspector Lewis, Above Suspicion 2: Deadly Intent) and deals with an unfolding tragedy as a well-loved young Maths teacher is run over deliberately by a car outside his school. His Muslim girlfriend suspects her own father and cousin who disapprove of the relationship and the fact she has left her husband from an arranged marriage.

In the final story Ghosts, which is written by Paul Logue (Midsomer Murders, Death In Paradise, Waterloo Road, Casualty), Helen's past comes back to haunt her when an old flame from another Police force implies he is being framed. He begs for her help shortly before he is killed in mysterious circumstances.

DCI Banks will be produced by Radford Neville (The Game, The Borrowers, Loving Miss Hattow). Radford is also a co-executive producer alongside Left Bank Pictures Chief Executive, Andy Harries. Peter Robinson continues to be involved in the creative process, ensuring the stories are true to his characters and the spirit of DCI Banks.

The series has been commissioned for ITV by Director of Drama, Steve November and Head of Drama Series, Jane Hudson.

DCI Banks is much loved by the ITV audience and Im thrilled a fourth series has been commissioned, said Steve.

Jane added: This series will see Banks pushed to the limit as he tackles his toughest crimes to date whilst dealing with a personal tragedy which turns his life upside down.

Executive producer, Andy Harries said: What people love about DCI Banks is the compelling stories that are drawn from real life and often inspired by real events. It's a proper British detective show set in the heart of modern Yorkshire.

LINK:	http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/dci-banks-returns-fourth...
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