04/02/2010
ITV and RTÉ have commissioned Touchpaper Television, part of the RDF Media Group, to make a brand new six part series of police drama Single-Handed.
The new series will see Owen McDonnell reprise the role of Jack Driscoll for both RTÉ in Ireland and ITV, and promises yet more muscular, emotionally complex stories.
Single-Handed debuted on ITV1 as a three-part drama last summer. Filmed entirely on location in the unforgiving landscape of Connemara, Single-Handed followed Irish police sergeant Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell) on his quest to serve a rural community.
RTÉ enjoyed a ratings success when Single-Handed aired across three 2-part series, attracting audience shares of up to 38%. More than 4 million viewers tuned in for its premiere on ITV, and the drama received rave reviews for its subtle depiction of rural life set against the stunning landscapes of the west of Ireland:
“…This classy, brooding crime drama is a rare and wise purchase from RTÉ …
Single-Handed was anything but bog standard – five stars.” (The Times)
"Two hours of fresh, absorbing drama. Don't miss it." (Observer)
"…Single-Handed gripped as hard as any slick urban thriller." (Metro)
"...striking for the slickness of its production values and the confidence of its writing." (Irish Independent.)
The cast will return to the west of Ireland for filming in the new co-production which is set to begin in spring, 2010.
Rob Pursey, managing director of Touchpaper TV, says: “We are very proud that Single-Handed has been such a success for RTÉ and for ITV. It’s proved to us that it’s possible to make great drama for more than one territory without compromising our ambitions. We are also very fortunate to have two commissioning editors who encourage those ambitions.”
Laura Mackie, ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning says: “We’re delighted to be commissioning Single-Handed for ITV and working with Touchpaper and RTÉ. This new series promises to be as gripping and atmospheric as the first.”
Jane Gogan, commissioning editor for RTÉ says: We are delighted to once again present a series that audiences have been drawn to repeatedly on RTÉ and on ITV. It continues to be a great experience working with ITV, Barry Simner and Touchpaper.”
Single-Handed is made by Touchpaper Television, part of the RDF Media Group. It is written by Barry Simner (The Vice, Midsomer Murders,) Clive Bradley (City of Vice) and Colin Teevan (How Many Miles To Basra).
It will be produced by Clare Alan (The Vice, A Harlot’s Progress, Wild Decembers, A Most Mysterious Murder). Rob Pursey (The Vice, Being Human, Murderland, City of Vice) is the executive producer.
RDF Rights own all international rights to the finished programme.
Press contacts:
For ITV Janice Troup: Janice.Troup@itv.com
For RDF Media Group and Touchpaper Television Rachel Davidson: Rachel.Davidson@RDFMedia.com
For RTÉ Cathriona Edwards: cathriona.edwards@rte.ie
