I’M a Celebrity’s Rev Richard Coles gets a huge career boost with a new TV show starring a Harry Potter actor.
More than 10 million votes were cast to decide between the finalists of I’m a Celeb this year and Richard gained a respectable third place.
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McFly singer Danny Jones took the King’s crown and WAG Coleen Rooney came in a close second place.
But now Richard is winning hands down as his first novel in his best selling series is set to become a television drama.
Channel 5 and AMC Networks’ Acorn TV have announced the commission of a brand-new murder mystery drama series entitled Murder Before Evensong which is based on his book.
The news comes after The Sun first revealed the project last month as Richard jetted off to the jungle.
British actor Matthew Lewis, best known as Neville Longbottom in the Harry Potter film series, will star as Canon Daniel Clement.
The Canon shares Champton rectory with his widowed mother, Audrey, who is described as opinionated, fearless, and ever-so-slightly annoying.
Together the pair share their beloved two dachshunds, Cosmo and Hilda.
However, when Daniel announces a plan to install a lavatory in the church, the parish is suddenly divided.
As lines are drawn, long-buried secrets come dangerously close to destroying the apparent calm of the village.
And then Anthony Bowness – cousin to Bernard de Floures, patron of Champton – is found dead at the back of the church.
And Daniel is shocked to discover he has been stabbed in the neck with a pair of secateurs.
As the police move in and the bodies start piling up, Daniel is the only one who can try and keep his fractured community together – and try catch a killer.
Nick Hicks-Beach known for Lewis, and Midsomer Murders is tasked with the adaption.
It will be directed by David Moore best known for Fool Me Once, Outlander and Shetland.
I’m A Celebrity – All The Winners
Here’s every star who has been crowned King or Queen of the Jungle to date:
- 2024: Danny Jones, McFly star
- 2023: Sam Thompson, Made in Chelsea star
- 2022: Jill Scott, England footballer
- 2021: Danny Miller, Emmerdale star
- 2020: Giovanna Fletcher, actress and podcaster
- 2019: Jacqueline Jossa, EastEnders star
- 2018: Harry Redknapp, England legend
- 2017: Georgia Toffolo, Made In Chelsea star
- 2016: Scarlett Moffatt, Gogglebox star
- 2015: Vicky Pattison, Geordie Shore star
- 2014: Carl Fogarty, famed racer
- 2013: Kian Egan, Westlife star
- 2012: Charlie Brooks, EastEnders actor
- 2011: Dougie Poynter, McFly star
- 2010: Stacey Solomon, X Factor star now TV personality
- 2009: Gino D’ACampo, TV Chef
- 2008: Joe Swash, TV personality
- 2007: Christopher Biggins, actor
- 2006: Matt Willis, Busted star
- 2005: Carol Thatcher, author and broadcaster
- 2004 (second series): Joe Pasquale, comedian
- 2004: Kerry Katona, Atomic Kitten star and reality star
- 2003: Phil Tufnell, England Cricketer
- 2002: Tony Blackburn, Radio DJ
There was also an All Star series in South Africa in 2023, which was won by Myleene Klass.
Richard and Radford Neville are Executive Producers for The Lighthouse, alongside Catherine Mackin and Don Klees for Acorn TV.
The six-part series was commissioned for Channel 5 by Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, who will also serve as Executive Producer.
Richard Coles said: “I am beyond excited that Canon Clement and his flock are to be turned into television by the brilliant team at The Lighthouse.
“I’m already planning my cameo appearance. Look out for a sinister archdeacon on a sit up and beg bicycle!”
Harry Potter star, Matthew added: “I’m beyond thrilled to be throwing on the old dog collar and diving into the world of Champton so charmingly created by Rev. Richard Coles.
“I’ve been an admirer of his work for some time and love the characters and stories he’s written.
“It’s an honour to work with this creative team and have the opportunity to bring the character of Canon Clement to life for fans of the book and new viewers alike.”
Paul commented: “We cannot wait to bring Murder Before Evensong to life, blending intrigue and wit with a truly unique central character.
“Matthew Lewis is the perfect choice to lead this adaptation of the Reverend Richard Coles’ beloved novel, and with The Lighthouse team behind this series it will offer a fresh take on the murder mystery genre while celebrating the charm and secrets of village life.”
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