Blue Lights' Martin McCann to star in 'suspenseful' new ITV thriller She Lies in Wait
Viewers will be transported back to an early noughties camping tripBlue Lights star Martin McCann has landed the lead role in brand new “suspenseful and atmospheric” thriller, She Lies in Wait.
Martin, 43, will play DI Jonah Sheens in ITV’s series adaptation of Gytha Lodge’s Jonah Sheens novels.
His character is described as an “instantly likeable, industrious and meticulous detective, who lives and breathes his work”.
And judging by the synopsis, Martin and the rest of the cast will be keeping you on the edge of your sofa.
Blue Lights’ Martin McCann stars in She Lies in Wait
She Lies in Wait will take viewers back to 2002, beginning with seven teenagers camping in woodland within the New Forest. They are Topaz, Aurora, Callum, Benners, Jojo, Coralie and Brett.
But only six return. Aurora, aged 15, vanishes during the trip, triggering an extensive search and public appeals by her family.
Years later, Aurora’s body is discovered inside a forest hollow near the group’s former campsite.
Now in their early 40s, the six survivors have successful careers and insist they played no part. However, their shared history raises pressing questions about friendship, rivalry, betrayal and who might be lying.
DI Jonah Sheens, played by Martin, leads that investigation while presenting a calm exterior and keeping private secrets.
Flashbacks will run through the modern inquiry, revealing possible motives and events from the night Aurora vanished.
The core question remains simple but loaded: what happened to Aurora during that camping trip?
Who else stars in She Lies in Wait?
Ella Dacres joins Martin in She Lies in Wait. Ella, who had a small part in Paddington In Peru, plays enthusiastic new recruit DC Anita Hanson.
A synopsis for the drama reads: “Newly-recruited DC Anita Hanson, just out of uniform, eager, and on her first day in CID is drafted to work alongside Sheens, who clearly isn’t keen on personal chatter and remains guarded, particularly about his private life.
“Anita defies his authority to follow her instincts in the investigation, in the process uncovering Jonah’s very personal connection to the case; one that could bring his entire world crashing down.
“With revelations at every turn, the adults gradually reveal potential motives as events of what happened in the early hours of that calamitous morning begin to unfold. Who will remain an ally and at what price loyalty?
“And what of the mysterious van that Callum and JoJo saw in the village of Lyndhurst the morning after Aurora’s disappearance. Did that have anything to do with what happened to her?”
Stephen Tompkinson appears as experienced DS Donald Tudor, rounding out the main investigative team.
Jemima Rooper takes the role of Aurora’s sister, Topaz Keating, within the present-day group. Al Weaver portrays Callum Dalton, while Ben Bailey Smith appears as Brett Anderson.
Bradley James plays Daniel “Benners” Benham, alongside Jade Harrison as JoJo Maggins. Olivia Mace completes the adult friendship group as Coralie Ribbans.
When She Lies in Wait will air?
Filming has already begun on She Lies in Wait. Producers are filming it in Ireland, despite the original story being set in the New Forest in Hampshire, England.
The series will air on ITV1 across six gripping episodes. The exact start date is yet to be confirmed, but viewers can expect to watch it in 2027.
Martin McCann and a twisty-turny thriller – what’s not to love?
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