ITV and BritBox have joined forces to commission a “contemporary” take on the beloved detective drama Dalziel and Pascoe, nearly two decades after the original series concluded.
The six-episode production will be handled by West Road Pictures, the All3Media company responsible for recent crime dramas including Ridley and Hollington Drive.
Cameras are scheduled to roll in spring 2026, with shooting taking place across the North of England.
The project represents West Road Pictures’ fifth drama commission since the company was established by Jonathan Fisher in 2019. All3Media International will serve as the global distribution partner for the series.
Colin Buchanan and Warren Clarke played the original Dalziel and Pascoe
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The drama will broadcast on ITV and STV, with streaming availability through ITVX and STV Player in the UK, while BritBox will carry the series in the United States and Canada.
The original Dalziel and Pascoe ran on BBC One for 12 series between 1996 and 2007, drawing from Reginald Hill’s collection of 24 novels featuring the mismatched detective duo.
Warren Clarke portrayed the blunt, old-fashioned Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel, while Colin Buchanan took on the role of the methodical, rule-following Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe.
The programme was set primarily in the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton, where the pair investigated numerous murder cases despite their contrasting approaches to police work.
Colin Buchanan and Warren Clarke on the set of the classic crime drama
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At its peak, the series premiere attracted nearly 10 million viewers, though audiences had declined to around six million by the time the BBC cancelled the show following an internal review of its drama output.
Mr Clarke passed away in 2014, aged 67, following a short illness.
ITV broke the news on its verified social media channels on Wednesday, although it’s safe to say the response was far from unanimously ecstatic.
In fact, there was a notable apprehension among some Facebook users, in particular, who feared the reboot would veer too far from what made the original series so popular.
Warren Clarke died in 2014
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“As long as it’s the best actor for the role no matter who they are and not some DEI person to make the numbers up,” one Facebook user penned.
A second echoed: “Excellent series but not sure a remake will work in this day and age will also depend on the actors chosen for the lead roles.”
“Bet it won’t be a patch on the original,” a third predicted, while a fourth’s apprehension was clear: “Can’t imagine anyone being better than the original actors – they matched the characters in the books so well.”
However, there was still some hope from others who enjoyed the original run. “Wonderful!” one fan simply typed on Facebook.
And a second echoed: “I understand revivals as Bergerac and Lynley are successes so maybe it’ll be just as good ITV.” (sic)
Nana Hughes, ITV’s commissioner and head of scripted comedy, expressed enthusiasm about reviving the franchise: “It’s a genuine privilege to bring Reginald Hill’s much-loved Dalziel and Pascoe back to the screen for a new audience.
“At the heart of this series is the enduring, unexpected chemistry between two very different detectives, and we’re excited to explore that new dynamic.”
Jon Farrar, executive vice president of programming at BritBox, emphasised the enduring appeal of the central partnership: “Dalziel and Pascoe has always been about friction, intellect, and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth.
Warren Clarke took on the role of Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel
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“Their chemistry, wit, and moral clarity perfectly complement this richly layered mystery. It’s timeless crime storytelling that not only honours but sharpens its legacy.”
The new adaptation has been co-created for television by Colette Kane, whose credits include Department Q and Vera, alongside Daisy Martey of Vikings: Valhalla.
The writing team also features newcomers Chris Ryden and Jon Rowe, as well as Danusia Samal, known for her work on Gangs of London and Bodies.
Ms Kane will serve as lead writer and executive producer on the project.
Isher Sahota, who directed Run Away and Missing You, will helm all six episodes, while Juliet Charlesworth, producer of Happy Valley and After the Flood, takes on producing duties.
Casting for the roles of Dalziel and Pascoe has yet to be revealed. ITV’s director of drama Polly Hill has collaborated with Ms Hughes on the series alongside the BritBox team.