A Stab In The Dark: A UKTV Original Crime Podcast with Mark Billingham

In this brand new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham chats to acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner Jed Mercurio. Line Of Duty has become the nation's top-rated cop show, and here Jed discusses the show's success, and gives valuable behind-the-scenes insight into the characters, the scripts and the plots. He also gives us a sneak preview of series six. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, chats to the star of The Sopranos, Vincent Pastore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham celebrates the centenary of the release of Agatha Christie's first published novel - The Mysterious Affair At Styles - by talking to acclaimed screenwriter Sarah Phelps, who has adapted five Christie novels for television. Mark and Sarah discuss the celebrated novelist's life and work, and cast a critical eye over her motivations and themes. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to Agatha's great-grandson, James Prichard, about the centenary and what it means to the Christie family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to Mick Herron, one of the most critically acclaimed writers in the UK. Throughout their chat, they discuss Mick's 'Slough House' series of spy novels, the origins of his beloved lead character, Jackson Lamb, and the forthcoming TV adaptation, starring Gary Oldman. Mick also exclusively reveals the title of his new book, not out until 2021. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, provides a potted history of the Great British spy novel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to best-selling crime writers Denise Mina and Matt Wesolowski about the phenomenon of true crime documentaries and podcasts. Together they ponder why the genre has become so successful, the ramifications of amateur crime-solving and how true crime influences their own, award-winning novels, as well as recounting their own favourite, macabre true-crime stories. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, counts down his favourite true-crime documentaries to watch right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to Eve Myles, the star of Alibi's new smart, slick and contemporary crime drama We Hunt Together. Together they discuss the show's central pairing of DS Lola Franks and DI Jackson Mendy, debate the nature v nurture approaches to determining psychopathy, and the rise of Welsh TV crime drama, which is enjoying a golden period. Also in this episode, our man with the spyglass - Paul Hirons - chats to the other half of We Hunt Together's investigative partnership, acclaimed actor Babou Ceesay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to one of the genre's biggest names - American author Harlan Coben. The writer of over 30 books - many of them bestsellers - Harlan talks about his early career, his big breaks, and his move into television, thanks to his collaborations with Netflix and with Walter Presents, where Just One Look is available to view now. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to British crime writer, Fiona Cummins, who talks about dark serial killers and the underbelly of society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to one of the most critically-acclaimed crime novelists in America, Liz Moore. Liz's fourth novel, Long Bright River, uses the backdrop of the opioid crisis in Philadelphia to tell her story of a missing young woman and during a recent visit to the UK, Liz talked to Mark about life on the Philly streets, the complex nature of addiction and how crime fiction can shine a light on difficult social issues. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to the award-winning creator of the TV thriller Blood, Sophie Petzal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to co-host of Pointless and host of House Of Games, Richard Osman, who discusses his debut crime novel, The Thursday Murder Club. Richard tells us about how he caught the crime bug, his crime inspirations and talks about taking his first steps into a new genre. Meanwhile, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, tells us his top 10 book-to-film adaptations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to actress Kate Phillips and writer Rachael New, the star and creator of Alibi's new Victorian crime drama, Miss Scarlet And The Duke. Kate and Rachael discuss with Mark the enduring appeal of the Victorian era when it comes to crime fiction and drama and explain why Eliza Scarlet is the female Sherlock Holmes. Our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, also talks to actor Waleed Zuaiter, star of the acclaimed Baghdad Central. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this brand-new episode, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to actress and screenwriter Amelia Bullmore about Alibi's stunning new original drama series, Traces. Throughout the episode, Amelia tells us about the inspiration for the show, and how she immersed herself into the world of forensic science. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to one of the show's stars, Laura Fraser, and Mark chats to one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers in the world, Val McDermid, about her role in the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to best-selling, award-winning Irish author John Connolly. Throughout the episode, John talks about the history of Irish crime writing, the mash-up of crime and the supernatural and how to handle instant success. He also talks about his upcoming non-fiction projects, and delves into the power of nostalgia. Also in this episode, Our Man With The Spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to one of the rising stars of American crime fiction, William Boyle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, our man with the spyglass - Paul Hirons - meets and talks to Sofia Helin, the star of top-rating Nordic Noir The Bridge, which returns to our screen for a final, fourth series. During her conversation, Sofia reveals what it takes to play iconic character Saga Norén and how hard it was to say goodbye to a character that has captured the imagination around the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special mini episode our man with the spyglass - Paul Hirons - talks to actress Sherilyn Fenn about her role as the iconic Audrey Horne in Twin Peaks and Twin Peaks: The Return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special, seasonal episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham welcomes fellow award-winning crime writers Christopher Brookmyre, Susi Holliday and Martyn Waites to discuss 2017's best crime books and crime drama, as well as rising trends and the names to watch out for in 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E9 - In this week’s episode, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to best-selling American writer, Karin Slaughter. Throughout the episode, Karin talks about her roots in America’s Deep South and how her hometown of Atlanta has changed; how the writing from the region and some of the true-life cases have influenced her work; the continuing fascination with serial killers; her new book The Good Daughter; and boob sweat. Yes, boob sweat. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to British novelist Steve Mosby at the Theakston’s Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival at Harrogate.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E8 - In this week’s episode, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham chats to one of the world’s best-selling crime novelists – Lee Child – at the Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate. During the episode Lee tells us what the 20th anniversary of his globe-straddling character, Jack Reacher, means to him. Lee also talks about his writing process, and tells us what compelled him to pick up a pencil 20 years ago and create one of the best-known characters in crime fiction. Elsewhere, Our Man With The Spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to another award-winning writer, Mari Hannah, about her role on the committee of the Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E7 - In this week's episode, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to one of the country's best-known actresses, MyAnna Buring, and award-winning screenwriter, Danny Brocklehurst. During the chat, Danny and MyAnna talk about their careers including, in MyAnna's case Twilight, Ripper Street and Downton Abbey; and in Danny's case The Driver, Clocking Off and his latest BBC One series, In The Dark (from which he adapted from Mark's two Helen Weeks stand-alone novels). MyAnna also talks about her portrayal of Helen Weeks in the series - and what it was like working with a prosthetic baby bump! Also in this episode, Our Man With The Spyglass, Paul Hirons, runs through some recommendations for a good summer read.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E6 - In this week’s episode, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, speaks to British writer Sarah Pinborough, who’s written one of the most talked about books of 2017. Recorded at CrimeFest in Bristol, Sarah talks about the jump into the psychological thriller genre, how genres like crime and horror cross-pollinate and the art of the twist.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E5 - In this week’s episode of UKTV crime podcast, A Stab In The Dark, host Mark Billingham talks to Sherlock’s Mark Gatiss. In a wide-ranging discussion about his work and career, Mark reveals the contents of his younger self’s dressing up and who has been his favourite character to play, and how a prop from Doctor Who has turned into one of his most prized possessions. He also discusses his love of horror, Agatha Christie and RuPaul’s Drag Race; as well as reveal how he and Steven Moffat came up with the idea for a modern Sherlock, how, because of the success of Wallander, Sherlock became three, ninety-minute episodes rather than six hour-long episodes, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman’s instant chemistry, and, of course, the show’s future. Plus, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to Murdoch Mysteries' Hélène Joy.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E04 - Our man with the spyglass – Paul Hirons – sits down with double CWA Dagger winner, Bill Beverly, to talk about his debut novel, Dodgers. A powerful tale of a teenage gang member based in LA sent to Ohio to do a job, Bill discusses his influences for this exceptional coming-of-age tale and the state of America today.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E03 - Two of the biggest names in American crime fiction and crime TV drama join Mark Billingham for the latest episode of UKTV Original podcast, A Stab In The Dark. David Simon is creator of The Wire – regarded as the greatest television drama series of all time – while Laura Lippman is a multi-award-winning crime writer. David and Laura tell us about their wedding (officiated by John Waters), discuss how newspaper journalism has changed over the years, and how the lines between fiction, reality and truth have been blurred in recent years. David, meanwhile, discusses The Wire, which celebrates its 15th anniversary. Plus, Paul Hirons talks to award-winning crime writer, Megan Abbott.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E02 - It’s a fiendish trio of award-winning crime writers as Mark Billingham is joined by fellow Crime Novel of the Year winners and best-selling authors Sarah Hilary and Belinda Bauer. They discuss the creation of Sarah’s complex heroine Marnie Rome, Belinda’s unique and vulnerable heroes and settling the matter once and for all of whether the countryside or the city is the most dangerous place for both murder or cheese-related deaths. And with series four about to start on UKTV, our man with spy glass and his ear to the ground, Paul Hirons, gets the scoop on Luther from former head of BBC Drama, Kate Harwood.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S2 E01 - Award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham is back to explore the world of crime fiction and TV crime drama in the second series of A Stab In The Dark. In this series opener, Mark talks to another award-winning bestselling crime writer, the legendary Ian Rankin, about the 30th anniversary of his iconic character, DI John Rebus, his career, his most recent Rebus novel and how personal circumstances inspired his work.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Series Preview - While our host Mark Billingham (award-winning crime writer) investigates some new leads, our man with the spy glass, Paul Hirons, takes a closer look at the Nature Vs Nuture and the new series Born to Kill.Paul talks to writer Kate Ashfield and star of the series Daniel Mays to try to understand the nuances of portraying a teenage psychopath in a TV series.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original and Dot Dot Dot Production, produced by Paul Hirons, Joel Porter and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Extra episode - While our regular host, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham limbers up for some brand-new episodes, our man with the spy glass, Paul Hirons, takes a closer look at the Nordic Noir phenomenon.Paul attended Crimefest in Bristol and Iceland Noir in Reykjavik last year, and managed to chat to some of the Nordic region's best-selling crime authors - Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, Lilja Sigurðardóttir and Ragnar Jonasson from Iceland, Anne Holt from Norway, Kati Hiekkapelto from Finland, Denmark's Sara Blædel and honoroury Brit and the co-curator of Iceland Noir, Quentin Bates.In this mini-episode, Paul asks where Nordic Noir comes from and what defines it, and also discovers the links between Scandinavian and Nordic crime fiction and drama with Britain.Mark will be back to host more brand-new episodes of A Stab In The Dark very soon.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9 - In the final episode of a three-part mini festive special, Mark Billingham is joined by Silent Witness' William Gaminara who played Professor Leo Dalton in the pathology crime drama alongside a couple of stints on the classic long-running police show The Bill. William tells us what it's like having to play expert roles, when the lines blur between these expert roles and real life, and the horror of working with pig organs. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons visits Eric Richard who played Sergeant Bob Cryer in The Bill over 17 years. We hear what it's like to star in the ever-popular series, the thinking behind the iconic show's production and what it was like playing a classic NCO.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8 - Mark Billingham welcomes Dalziel and Pascoe actor Colin Buchanan into the studio to talk about his time on the long-running crime drama and what it was like to work with co-star and legend of the screen Warren Clarke. Dalziel and Pascoe was adapted from a series of books by novelist Reginald Hill, an author many from the genre hold in very high esteem, and Colin's opinion of the great man is no different. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons chats to Rebus author Ian Rankin about the influence Reginald Hill had on him.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson, Paul Hirons and John Lemon.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7 - Mark Billingham talks to actor Kris Marshall about his early career starring in comedy film and television before ending up as the star of the ever-popular crime drama Death in Paradise. Kris tells us about what he thinks makes Death in Paradise such a perennially successful show, the trials of island fauna and what we have to look forward to.Meanwhile, Paul Hirons digs out an interview with the previous star of Death in Paradise, Ben Miller. Ben regales us about the good and bad side of filming in Guadeloupe: you may have incredible sets and beach locations, but there's also a serious danger of drowning!A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson, Paul Hirons and Ashleigh Sullivan.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teaser - Before signing off for the year we dragged Mark back into the studio to fill a festive sack full of podcasty criminal case-files just for you. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for a mini-series of episodes celebrating some of your favourite British crime TV shows. Ho ho ho...A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6 - We travelled away from A Stab In The Dark’s incident room to talk to one of this generation’s biggest-selling and most-respected crime novelists... none other than forensic crime author Patricia Cornwell. Patricia is someone who has been credited with inspiring not only a new wave of female crime writers but also a host of forensic crime dramas, from CSI to Dexter, while her Kay Scarpetta novels have delighted crime fans since 1990. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons speaks to Silent Witness star William Gaminara about his role in the show and how he manages to pronounce all that technical jargon.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5 - Mark Billingham is joined in the studio by The Poison Tree and Broadchurch author Erin Kelly and creator of Death In Paradise Robert Thorogood to discuss the art of adaptation. In contrast to the more well-trodden path of adapting television shows from books, both Erin and Robert have experience in the other direction: from the screen to the page. But before we hear about the process that goes into this we look at their involvement in creating some of our favourite crime dramas. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons gets a visit from writer and producer Adam Hamdy who takes us through the top 5 tips he uses to adapt crime fiction.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 - Mark Billingham heads to a central London hotel to meet Harry Bosch, Mickey Haller and Terry McCaleb author Michael Connelly. The two best-selling crime writers discuss US crime drama, Raymond Chandler, jazz versus country and Michael's adaptations which star Titus Welliver, Matthew McConaughey and Clint Eastwood. We also hear some excellent anecdotes from Michael about how a real-life policeman influenced Bosch's career and how he 'saw' his detective during the OJ Simpson trial. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons talks to Rosewood's leading man Morris Chestnut, who reveals what it's like to work with co-star Jaina Lee Ortiz and what a location gives to a crime drama.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 - Mark Billingham is joined by Shetland author Ann Cleeves and Nordic Noir author Yrsa Sigurdardottir to discuss being marooned with murder. Both Ann and Yrsa have strong ties to two islands, Shetland and Iceland, and we hear more on what it's like to write fiction based there and how islands influence crime stories. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons visits Killer Women and reveals more about this new festival.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons. Thanks to Joel Porter and Dot Dot Dot Productions for audio support.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 - Mark Billingham is joined in the studio by acting powerhouse David Morrissey, star of BBC's The Missing, State of Play, Sky1's Thorne and The Governor from The Walking Dead. The two talk about adapting Mark's novels for TV and the process by which David develops his characters. Meanwhile, Paul Hirons talks to Lee Child about the forthcoming Jack Reacher novel and film.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons. Thanks to Joel Porter and Dot Dot Dot Productions for audio support.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 1 - Mark Billingham opens an investigation into how the representation of female crime-fighters has changed over the years. Joining Mark we have best-selling author and 'queen of crime' Val McDermid, and acclaimed television drama producer Kate Harwood to discuss everything from Sally Wainwright and Happy Valley to Emilia Fox and Silent Witness. Meanwhile Paul Hirons interviews Sarah Hilary about her character Marnie Rome.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer - A Stab In The Dark is a brand new crime podcast from UKTV in which best-selling author and comic Mark Billingham will be opening an investigation into everything crime fiction and crime drama alongside some major names from the crime world.A Stab in the Dark is a UKTV Original production and is produced by Sam Pearson and Paul Hirons.For more info: http://uktv.co.uk/astabinthedark Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.