Lynda La Plante slideshow

Rada-trained Lynda began her career in front of the camera, starring in Minder, The Professionals and The Sweeney, before writing for TV.

Lynda's work proved so successful that in 1994 she set up La Plante Productions, so that she could maintain creative control over her work.

Amanda Burton starred as the murder detective Clare Blake. A new series is currently in production. 

Craig Fairbrass starred alongside Mirren as DI Frank Burkin in La Plante's award-winning series, Prime Suspect.

Lynda was also behind ITV's dark, brooding Trial and Retribution, starring David Hayman and Victoria Smurfit.