Graham Norton’s ‘Holding’ is coming to television

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

ITV will be releasing the television adaptation of Holding- a story following gentle giant Sergeant PJ Collins, a man who keeps to himself and occupies himself with comfort food and perhaps the occasional bit of police work.

Set in the Irish village of Duneen, Holding is the story of three villagers as they are caught up in a mysterious murder: Sergeant PJ Collins; alcoholic mother-of-two Brid Riordan; and Evelyn Ross who has been feeling lately that her life may be wasted.

Human remains have been discovered, suspected to be those of a former lover of both Brid and Evelyn and the village’s dark past begins to unravel.

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Graham Norton spoke of the new series, currently being filmed in Ireland, saying: “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!”

The adaptation is a team effort by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Karen Cogan.

Dominic said: “It’s so exciting to be able to bring Graham’s beautiful novel to the screen with the creative powerhouses that are Kathy Burke and Karen Cogan, with the brilliant Martina Niland producing. To be writing my first scripts alongside Karen and to film with Conleth and such a talented Irish cast and crew in West Cork — where my father was from and my family still are — makes this even more special.”

Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) will be taking on the leading role as Sergeant PJ Collins, and joining him will be Brenda Fricker as Lizzie Meaney, a shy presence in PJ’s life who is battling her own personal demons, Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) as Bríd Riordan, Charlene McKenna (Bloodlands) as Evelyn Ross, Helen Behan (This is England ’90), and Pauline McLynn (Father Ted)

“I am ecstatic to be part of this wonderful production, in beautiful Skibbereen, and finally not to be playing a mother!” Said Brenda, “Mrs Meany is a bit of a dark horse. She has had a dreadful life but has retained her values, her friendships, and most of all her sense of humour, keep a sharp eye on her.”

The cast also include: Clinton Liberty (Normal People), Amy Conroy (The South Westerlies), Olwen Fouéré (Beast), Eleanor Tiernan (Bridget and Eamon), Gary Shelford (Belgravia), Lochlann Ó’Meárain (Smother), Sky Yang (Halo), Demi Issac Oviawe (The Young Offenders), Norma Sheahan (Bridget and Eamon), and Anne Kent (Fair City).