A+E announces development of Miss Scarlet and the Duke
Details
Editor
| 26 November 2018

A+E Networks International has begun development on its first international, scripted co-production, Miss Scarlet and The Duke, a crime drama about the first ever-female detective in 19th Century London.

In Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Eliza Scarlet is left penniless when her father dies at a time where marriage is her only option for financial security. But luckily, she has an ace up her bonnet – her father’s business – a private detective agency. Eliza knows all the tricks of the trade but as a genteel 19th Century lady she’s never been allowed to put them into practice. To operate in this man’s world, she needs a partner and one appears in the form of Detective Inspector William Wellington of Scotland Yard, The Duke.

The new series stars Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Downton Abbey feature film) as Eliza Scarlet, and is created and written by Rachael New (Grantchester for ITV, The Mallorca Files for BBC, EastEnders for BBC1). The project originated with Element 8 Entertainment's producing team including Patty Ishimoto (Rogue) along with Todd Berger (Wynonna Earp) and Patrick Irwin (The Fall) to exec produce. A+E Networks is currently negotiating deals for the programme in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S. with the aim of going into production end of Q1 2019.

“A+E Networks International is very excited about Miss Scarlet and The Duke, which has fantastic writing by Rachael New,” commented Richard Tulk-Hart, the company’s managing director, international content sales and co-productions. “New’s script drew in Kate Phillips, and we have incredible exec producers signed on – Patty Ishimoto, Todd Berger and Patrick Irwin. This is a thrilling series about which we are very proud, with an incredibly strong female lead, and a captivating storyline.”