ITV brings Kate London novel to screen

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has commissioned a TV adaptation of the first book by police-officer-turned-novelist Kate London, with Patrick Harbinson (Homeland, 24, ER) on board as screenwriter and exec producer.

Kate London

The Tower is based on Post Mortem, the first in London’s Metropolitan series of novels featuring Sergeant Sarah Collins and rookie Lizzie Griffiths.

The Tower has been commissioned for ITV by head of drama Polly Hill, who will oversee the three-part drama for the channel. Harbinson’s Windhover Films and Mammoth Screen will produce in association with ITV production and distribution arm ITV Studios (ITVS).

Harbinson will exec produce alongside Mammoth Screen founder and CEO Damien Timmer (The Serpent, Endeavour) and senior executive producer Karen Thrussell (Poldark, And Then There Were None).

Kate London is a former Metropolitan Police officer who finished her career working as part of a major investigation team within the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Paul Testar (The Serpent) is producer, Sherie Myers (I May Destroy You) is coproducer and Jim Loach (Save Me Too) is director.

Harbinson said: “After six years on Homeland, I wanted to get back to my roots and write something firmly based in the UK. As soon as I read Kate London’s beautifully written novels, I knew they were it.”

Filming will commence this spring and casting details will be announced in due course.

Windhover Films was formed by Harbinson in January 2021. Its principals have worked in the film and TV business in London and LA for nearly 30 years. Mammoth Screen is part of ITVS, which will also handle international distribution.