Lauren Lyle is set to star in ITV's murder drama 'Karen Pirie'.
Lauren Lyle
The 27-year-old actress will play the central character in the drama series, which is based on author Val McDermid’s 'The Distant Echo' and has been adapted by Emer Kenny.
Lauren explained: "I am completely overjoyed to be bringing the formidable force that is DS Karen Pirie to life through Emer Kenny's slick adaptation. The world Emer has created using the backbone of Val McDermid's much-loved books is electrifying and hooked me immediately.
"I couldn't ask for a more creative, supportive and energetic team to be joining. I'm so thankful to Val, Emer, World Productions and ITV for welcoming me wholeheartedly on board."
In the first episode of the series, DS Karen Pirie - a fearless Scottish investigator - reopens an historic murder investigation that has been the subject of a true crime podcast.
The cast will also include Michael Shaeffer, Ariyon Bakare and Alec Newman, while Emer Kenny is also excited to appear in the series.
She said: "I am so grateful to Val McDermid for lending me her brilliant characters, and beyond excited to work with the actors and Gareth Bryn to bring them to the screen.
"As I got to know Karen - and in casting the wonderful Lauren - I realised I wanted to be her best friend. So, I am delighted to announce that I will be playing River ... Karen's best friend."
Val, 65, is similarly excited about the project.
The acclaimed crime writer explained: "It's always exciting to see a project like Karen Pirie leave the page and head for the screen.
"We've been fortunate to secure a very talented and enthusiastic cast to bring 'The Distant Echo' to life, and shooting in Scotland is definitely added eye-candy! Audiences are in for a treat."