Acorn TV & Channel 5 Commission Murder Before Evensong

Acorn TV and Channel 5 have commissioned the murder-mystery drama series Murder Before Evensong, based on the first novel in the Sunday Times best-selling series by British author Reverend Richard Coles.

Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, leads the cast. The series will be adapted by Nick Hicks-Beach (Lewis, DCI Banks, Midsomer Murders) and directed by David Moore (Fool Me Once, Outlander, Shetland, Marple).

Lewis will star as Canon Daniel Clement, who shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother—opinionated, fearless, ever-so-slightly annoying Audrey—and his two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda. When Anthony Bowness—cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton—is found dead at the back of the church, the police move in and the bodies start piling up, but Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together—and catch a killer.

Produced by The Lighthouse Film and Television, the series will begin filming in 2025 in the West Midlands with support from the West Midlands Production Fund and is due to air later in the year on Acorn TV worldwide and Channel 5 in the U.K. Acorn TV maintains worldwide rights to Murder Before Evensong outside of the U.K., with AMC Networks handling global content sales.

Coles, author of Murder Before Evensong and executive producer, said: “I am beyond excited that Canon Clement and his flock are to be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse, and I’m already planning my cameo appearance. Look out for a sinister archdeacon on a sit-up and beg bicycle!”

Lewis added: “I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and diving into the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles. I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written. It’s an honor to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike.”

Radford Neville, executive producer and director of The Lighthouse, said: “We can’t wait to bring Richard’s fabulous world of vicars, miniature dachshunds and bloody murder to audiences around the globe in this complex and gripping mystery.”

Catherine Mackin, managing director at Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV), said: “Richard’s brilliantly layered storytelling offering surprise and delight around every corner is the exact crime-focused fare Acorn TV’s intellectually curious audience craves. Matthew’s embodiment of Canon Daniel promises a bold and compelling adaptation that we can’t wait to see. We’re delighted to work alongside Richard, Nick, David and Matthew, as well as our partners at The Lighthouse and Channel 5, to bring this highly praised bestseller to the small screen.”

Paul Testar, commissioning editor for drama at Channel 5, commented: “We cannot wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, blending intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character. Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series, it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life.”