Michael Kitchen returns in a new series of Foyle's War on ITV
ITV, Acorn Media, and Eleventh Hour Films have confirmed a new series of Foyle’s War starring Michael Kitchen and created by celebrated novelist and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz.
Set during the early period after World War Two, Foyle will focus his attention on the world of espionage as he gathers secret intelligence in support of Britain’s security, defence and the Government’s foreign and economic policies.
The stories will range from Foyle identifying highly placed atomic spies to a true story of government corruption. A world of transition where the values and certainties of the war have given way to austerity, exhaustion and doubts about the direction the new government is taking.
In his new role as a Senior Intelligence Officer, Foyle discovers that the British establishment is rife with communist sympathisers and traitors. In this delicately balanced period in history, 1946-47, Foyle will use all his intelligence, guile and intuition to keep the country safe.
Said Michael Kitchen: “It’s great to be wanted and a pleasure to be back.”
Three x 120 minute films have been ordered from Eleventh Hour Films, the production company founded by producer Jill Green. Eleventh Hour Films takes pride in the research work undertaken for each story as all three episodes are firmly based on true stories from 1946 onwards.
“It is great that both Anthony and Michael wanted to continue with this jewel in the crown and create a new role for Foyle in a part of history less familiar on TV,” said Jill.
Foyle’s War will go into production in London in September and the new episodes will broadcast on ITV1 in 2013. Anthony will write films 1 and 3 with David Kane responsible for episode 2.
Speaking about Foyle’s new role creator and lead writer Anthony Horowitz said: “I have returned to Foyle’s War because there are still some amazing stories I want to tell. The war may be over but Foyle’s career goes on,” said Anthony.
Honeysuckle Weeks is expected to return to the drama playing the established character of Samantha Stewart, a role she has portrayed since 2002. Post-war, Samantha is now married and relishing domesticity. Her character also enters a fresh era as she delights in a surprising new working role!
The return of Foyle’s War has been in development since Acorn Media, a leading distributor of British television in the U.S., purchased all rights to the series in November 2010. Series 8 was commissioned for ITV by Drama Commissioning team Laura Mackie and Sally Haynes.
“We're delighted to be bringing back one of ITV's most original and successful crime titles. Anthony has found a brilliant and inventive way to move Foyle into the post-war era,” said Laura.
Jill Green will produce Foyle’s War and further casting details will be announced later this year. A director is yet to be appointed.