Graham Norton's debut novel being adapted for television

Graham Norton's novel Holding is being adapted for TV. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI)
Graham Norton's novel Holding is being adapted for TV. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI) (Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)

Graham Norton's debut novel Holding is being adapted for television.

Game of Thrones star Conleth Hill will star in the four-part series as local police officer Sergeant PJ Collins, a gentle but towering man who hides from residents and fills his days with comfort food and half-hearted police work.

When the body of local man Tommy Burke is discovered, he is tasked with solving the first serious crime of his career.

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The presenter's book is being adapted by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan for ITV Studios, while Kathy Burke will direct.

Norton said: "I am beyond excited to see the story and characters I created being brought to the screen. I love how the brilliant creative team have transformed my novel into something so rich and dramatic. West Cork is ready for its close-up.”

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Meanwhile, Burke added: “2021 is my 40th year working in the industry and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than directing Holding.

“It’s a beautiful piece of writing with a great story and fantastic, full-bodied characters. All this with glorious West Cork as its setting proved irresistible.”

Hill, who played Lord Varys in Game of Thrones, said: "I’m looking forward to getting to work with Kathy, the cast and crew, Dominic and everyone at Happy Prince on bringing Graham’s brilliant characters and story to the screen.”

Kathy Burke will direct the series. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
Kathy Burke will direct the series. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) (Dave Hogan via Getty Images)

The book was published in 2016 as the chat show host's first piece of fiction and was named popular fiction book of the year in the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards.

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It will be filmed in Ireland in summer with details of further casting released closer to the start of production.

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With additional reporting by PA.

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