Holding Norton

Kathy will be directing a TV series based on chatshow supremo Graham Norton’s novel Holding, a murder mystery laced with dark comedy.

The four-part series will be for ITV and filmed in West Cork, Ireland, this summer. It will star Game of Thrones actor Conleth Hill who is best know for his role as Varys in Game of Thrones but who has won two Laurence Olivier Awards and got two Tony nominations for his other work.  

Hill will take the lead role of Irish police officer, Sergeant PJ Collins, who “hides from people and fills his days with comfort food and half-hearted police work.” But when the body of local legend Tommy Burke is discovered, he needs to get his arse in gear and actually solve a serious crime.

Here’s what Kathy has to say about the directing gig – via tweet: “I love theatre directing but thought I should get out of my comfort zone and direct a bit of telly. West Cork is where my Mum was from so, hello over there and put the kettle on as I’ll be heading home soon!”

And this was the official quote: “2021 is my 40th year working in the industry and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than directing Holding. It’s a beautiful piece of writing with a great story and fantastic, full bodied characters. All this with glorious West Cork as its setting proved irresistible.”

The book has been adapted into a screenplay by former Eastenders producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins.

Graham Norton is based known for being a chatshow host but he’s also a brilliant novelist and rather lovely. Here’s his official quote on his book being made into a show: “I am beyond excited to see the story and characters I created being brought to the screen. I love how the brilliant creative team have transformed my novel into something so rich and dramatic. West Cork is ready for its close-up!!”