ITV commissions "Platform 7" psychological thriller

ITV’S Head of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned a gripping psychological thriller, "Platform 7." The title will debut on ITVX, exclusive to ITV’s new free streaming service, many months ahead of linear transmission on ITV main channel."I'm thrilled to be working with Dancing Ledge Productions on the haunting thriller, 'Platform 7,' an adaptation of Louise Doughty’s brilliant novel," Hill said. "It's edgy, fresh, and engaging and is unlike anything we've commissioned before, as ITVX gives us the scope to break new ground with drama.  Paula Milne's scripts perfectly capture the novel's vibrant storytelling whilst addressing some important contemporary issues."

Produced by Dancing Ledge Productions, the series will be adapted by acclaimed and multi-award-winning screenwriter Paula Milne from the bestselling novel of the same title by Louise Doughty. Hill will oversee the production of the drama from ITV’s perspective. The title is scheduled to go into production later this year.  Details of casting will be released closer to the date set to begin filming.

"Platform 7" is adapted by one of the UK’s most accomplished screenwriters, Paula Milne. The multi-award-winning screenwriter is best known for "The Politician’s Wife," "Him," "White Heat" and "The Virgin Queen." Other Recent television adaptations of Louise Doughty’s work include "Apple Tree Yard" and "Crossfire" which are also produced by Dancing Ledge Productions. Dancing Ledge Productions, Managing Director, Chris Carey will executive produce the drama alongside the company’s CEO, Laurence Bowen, and BAFTA-winning executive producer Kate Triggs.

The drama is produced by Rosalie Carew and will be directed by Sarah Walker. Fremantle will handle the international distribution of the drama.“This is no traditional ‘spooky’ ghost story.  It’s the tale of a ghost on a quest to discover who she was and the events that led to her untimely death," Paula Milne said. "Her story is a celebration of indignation versus passivity and truth versus lies. While writing Louise Doughty’s astute and emotionally intelligent novel, I began to feel she’s the ghost in all of us; the unseen part of us when we find ourselves reflecting on the wisdom of our past decisions. Sometimes with regret, occasionally with rancor but more often with the complicated relish of what it means to be human.”

The four-part drama is a haunting thriller following central character Lisa who, after witnessing a cataclysmic event on platform 7 of a railway station, finds her own fragmented memory jogged to reveal a connection between her own life and that of the event she has just witnessed. Supernatural elements combine with contemporary realism in this chilling drama.

“We’re thrilled to be adapting Louise Doughty’s celebrated novel ‘Platform 7’ for television," Executive producer and Managing Director of Dancing Ledge Productions, Chris Carey commented. "The story weaves together themes of love and control in a truly original way. A part revenge story, part love story, part murder mystery this nail-biting drama forces us to consider whether we can truly know the people closest to us. With Paula Milne adapting and Sarah Walker directing, this is going to offer something truly unique.”