BBC Commissions J.K. Rowling Crime Series

The BBC has announced that the Cormoran Strike novels, written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, will be adapted for a new television series on BBC One.

Produced by Brontë Film and TV, The Cuckoo's Calling is the first in the Cormoran Strike series. Ms Rowling will collaborate on the project, with the number and length of episodes still to be decided.

Brontë is also making J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy, a three-part serial to be aired on BBC One in February 2015.

Neil Blair, Chair of Brontë says: "We're delighted to be bringing these best-selling novels to the screen and to be working once again alongside the BBC."

Danny Cohen, Director of BBC Television says: "It's a wonderful coup for BBC Television to be bringing J.K. Rowling's latest books to the screen. With the rich character of Cormoran Strike at their heart, these dramas will be event television across the world."

The series is commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One and Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(IT/JP)