A NEW BBC drama billed ‘first of its kind’ for the channel features a Shetland star in the lead role.
Murder mystery An t-Eilean (The Island) is described as the UK’s first ever high end Gaelic drama series.
New BBC drama An t-Eilean is billed as the “first of its kind”[/caption] Sorcha Groundsell leads the murder mystery’s cast[/caption] It is the UK’s first high end Gaelic series – combining Gaelic and English language[/caption]The four-part series begins following the brutal murder of local tycoon’s wife at a remote island mansion.
It combines Gaelic dialogue with English and will air in early 2025 on BBC ALBA, BBC Four and iPlayer.
Leading the cast is Sorcha Groundsell as Kat Crichton, a young Family Liaison Officer assigned to investigate the case.
Sorcha previously played Bryd Fleming in Shetland – and had roles in Netflix‘s The Innocents and BBC fantasy drama His Dark Materials.
Meanwhile, An t-Eilean’s action takes place on the island of Lewis and Harris.
In a further mystery, Kat fled the island ten years earlier – under mysterious circumstances.
Discussing the upcoming drama, Sorcha Groundsell said: “This feels like a watershed moment for Gaelic.
“Across the world, we are seeing indigenous languages step confidently out from the shadows to enjoy the recognition they deserve.
“I see our show as part of that wider movement; a celebration of all that makes us unique.”
Continuing, she added: “Working on An t-Eilean has been a privilege and a joy.
“I’m so proud to have been part of a production that is pioneering these new horizons for Gaelic and showcasing the beauty, creativity and depth our language brings to the world.”
Joining Sorcha is Industry star Saga Radia, playing her boss DCI Ahmed Halim.
He said: “Being part of An t-Eilean has been an exciting experience for me.
“The show really allowed us to showcase the beauty of Gaelic culture and language in a way that feels authentic – it’s about bringing the islands’ rich history to life for viewers and I’m so proud to be part of that.”
Additionally, Ian Macrae stars as Sir Douglas, the patriarch of the wealthy, dysfunctional Maclean family.
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
Wounded in the attack that killed his wife Lady Mary (Elspeth Turner), questions arise as to whether Sir Douglas was involved in some way.
Playing the four adult Maclean children are: Sinéad MacInnes as Eilidh, Andrew Macinnes as Calum, Meredith Brook as Sine and Sam James Smith as Ruaraidh.
Further cast members include Daibhidh Walker, Sharyn Ferguson, Carina MacLeod, Tormod Macleòid, MJ Deans, Iain “Spanish” Mackay and Julia Taudevin.
Directed by Tom Sullivan, An t-Eilean is co-written by Nicholas Osborne and Patsi Mackenzie.
Lead actress Sorcha previously starred in Netflix drama The Innocence[/caption]