UKTV Commissions First Scripted Original for Alibi

UKTV’s crime channel Alibi is getting its first scripted original series with Traces, a thriller touching on forensic science.

The six-part series is written by Amelia Bullmore (Scott & Bailey, This Life) and produced by RED Production Company (Safe, Butterfly, Happy Valley) for UKTV and BBC Studios. Traces is based on an original idea by best-selling crime writer Val McDermid. It is set in Scotland and explores the world of SIFA, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science.

UKTV drama commissioner Philippa Collie Cousins said: “When the idea came over from RED it genuinely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The fantastic writing talent in Amelia Bullmore coupled with Nicola Shindler and the team at RED will make Alibi’s first ever drama commission something really quite special. With strong female characters this is Happy Valley meets Silent Witness, a dark and exciting show that I can’t wait for us to get cracking on.”

Alibi channel director Emma Ayech added: “Alibi has an incredibly engaged audience of passionate crime drama fans. It’s the perfect opportunity to grow our slate of scripted shows and give our viewers a brand-new UKTV Original series that we hope they will love.”

Nicola Shindler, founder and executive producer of RED Production Company, said: “I am really excited to be working with UKTV bringing Amelia’s compelling and original scripts to life. From the brilliant mind of Val McDermid this is a mystery I want the Alibi audience to find totally addictive.”

Liam Keelan, BBC Studios’ scripted portfolio director, said: “Traces is exactly the type of captivating British crime thriller that we like to offer audiences internationally. It’s fresh and suspenseful, with a brilliant writing and production talent behind it. We are thrilled to be involved in this groundbreaking commission for UKTV—hopefully the first of many more projects to come. It’s great to be working with Nicola Shindler, and the team at RED again.”