Written by the RTS Award-winning writer Paul Matthew Thompson (Vera), Ridley will follow the veteran Detective Inspector Alex Ridley who, after 25 years as a homicide investigator, has been nudged into retirement.

Despite decades of dedicated service, the charismatic Ridley still feels as if he has been cast out from the job he loves in his prime. His replacement comes in the form of his former mentee and protégé, acting DI Carol Farman.

When Carol is faced with a complex and compelling murder case, she calls on Ridley to offer his expertise as a police consultant. However, when the case takes a disturbing turn for the worst, Ridley is enticed out of retirement to offer his expertise in his former role.

Adrian Dunbar commented: “I don’t think I’ve ever headed into a production with more excitement and enthusiasm. As an actor I know how rare it is to be given such a wonderful opportunity, and the combination of Polly Hill and Chloe Tucker at ITV and Jonathan Fisher at West Road Pictures means we are in both safe and creative hands.” 

Paul Matthew Thompson added: “I am thrilled to be working with Jonathan Fisher and West Road Pictures to bring Ridley to life for ITV. Equally delighted that he’ll be portrayed by the iconic Adrian Dunbar. With his maverick idiosyncrasies, a heart on sleeve empathy and a unique approach to solving crime we hope Ridley will soon join the canon of favourite TV detectives.”