THE PUZZLE LADY: PHYLLIS LOGAN LEADS CAST OF NEW CHANNEL 5 CRIME DRAMA

Channel 5 has announced today the commission of brand-new crime drama, The Puzzle Lady w/t (6x60’) produced by Factual Fiction and December Films with additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen.

BAFTA award-winning Actress Phyllis Logan; best known for playing Mrs Hughes in the award-winning television series Downton Abbey, will play the titular role of Cora Felton, the eponymous Puzzle Lady.

The series is based on the best-selling books by American author Parnell Hall and begins when a strange murder takes place in the sleepy market town of Bakerbury. The local police are baffled by a crossword puzzle left on the body.

With their case going nowhere, they turn reluctantly to Cora Felton, a recent arrival in Bakerbury; whose fame as the eponymous Puzzle Lady suggests she can help DCI Hooper and the Bakerbury police solve its first murder case. But the eccentric Cora isn’t who she claims to be, and as she throws herself into a murder case that has the town’s residents baffled, she starts to gather allies and enemies in equal measure.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+ commented: “We’re very pleased to bring The Puzzle Lady to Channel 5, a compelling, cosy crime drama that will keep viewers guessing and entertained equally. Phyllis Logan will be excellent as Cora Felton, our Puzzle Lady.”

Emily Dalton, Managing Director, Factual Fiction added: “With Cora Felton, Dominique Moloney has written a character that leaps off the page and we are so happy that the wonderful Phyllis Logan will bring The Puzzle Lady to life. This will be my fifth project in Northern Ireland, working with some of the best crew in the UK - it feels a bit like coming home.”

Todd Berger, December Films added: “It’s a huge pleasure to now be going into production on this show. We wish Parnell was still around to see this day, and are grateful for the support of his Estate, and to our partners ZDFS, Channel 5, PBS Distribution, Channel Zero and NI Screen.” 

Yi Qiao, Director Drama, ZDF Studios, said: “Since we announced the development of The Puzzle Lady several years ago there has been a tremendous amount of interest from our clients looking for a light-hearted, quirky whodunnit. Cora Felton is an absolute force of nature with her charm, wit and chaos that I am sure audiences around the world will fall in love with her right away.”

The series has begun production in Northern Ireland and is set to air on Channel 5 in the UK in 2025.