The BBC has shared a first look at upcoming dark crime drama Tall Tales & Murders starring Black Doves’ Ella-Lily Hyland. Hyland stars as a peculiar night nurse who finds herself embroiled in a quest for a Celtic treasure that might or might not be real.
Described as a “Bonnie and Clyde-style adventure”, the upcoming series is based on the nine-book Dublin Trilogy by Caimh McDonnell.
Coming to our screens in the autumn, the series follows protagonist Bridget, who works in a Dublin nursing home. She has a very relaxed approach to the job, being equally happy to read the elderly residents bedtime horror stories as well as euthanise them — if they ask nicely.
Mark Sheen/RTE
RTE
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When Paul (Casey Walsh), a petty criminal desperate to stay out of prison, manages to land a legitimate gig at the nursing home, he and Bridget have a first joint shift to remember.
During their first night together, a mysterious, comatose patient played by Game of Thrones’ Aidan Gillen suddenly wakes up and reveals he’s the long-lost gangster Grinner McNair, teasing he’s left a buried hoard of Celtic gold behind.
Thus, a search begins for the supposed treasure that would solve all of Bridget’s financial troubles and allow Paul to repay his debts to crime boss Ma Baker, played by Derry Girls’ Philippa Dunne.
However, the duo soon realises they’re not the only ones after it. Gangster Wesley Swanson, played by Peaky Blinders’ Packy Lee, is also on the case.
RTE
RTE
The cast for Tall Tales & Murders also includes Brian Doherty as Paul’s “guardian-angel-of-sorts”, irascible detective Bunny Ryan.
Rounding out the cast is Aisling O’Sullivan, who plays the Matron of Bridget’s nursing home.
RTE
Pat Redmond/RTE
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The series is a co-commission from BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ in association with Screen Ireland and is co-created by Love/Hate creator Stuart Carolan with Chris Addison.
Tall Tales & Murders airs on BBC One and BBC One Northern Ireland this autumn.
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).