The BBC has greenlit The Northumbria Mysteries, a brand‑new drama series starring Robson Green in the lead role. Set against the dramatic sweep of the Northumberland coastline and the characterful market towns that surround it, the series marks a major new chapter for Robson and for North East storytelling on screen.
Produced by Newcastle‑based Lonesome Pine Productions, The Northumbria Mysteries introduces Robson as Joe Ruby – “a jack‑of‑all‑trades whose life has been shaped by mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities.” Joe is joined by DI Rose O’Connell (casting to be announced), an Oxford‑educated investigator described as “a rarefied intellectual, a deep thinker with a brilliant mind and an ice‑cool disposition.”
Together, they form an irresistible odd‑couple partnership. As they clash, challenge and ultimately surprise one another, Joe and Rose unravel a series of gripping mysteries rooted in the landscapes and communities of the North East.
Lesley Douglas, Executive Producer and co‑founder of Lonesome Pine Productions, says: “We could not be happier to have Robson Green lead the cast and bring Joe Ruby to life, within the magnificent backdrop of Northumberland. Working with the BBC to realise these characters has been a labour of love.”
Currently in pre‑production, filming begins in Northumberland this spring. The series will comprise 8×45‑minute episodes and will air on BBC One and iPlayer. The Northumbria Mysteries is produced by Lonesome Pine Productions, with Aschlin Ditta, Gordon Anderson and Chris Gascoyne serving as Executive Producers for the company, and Helen Munson for the BBC. Gordon Anderson and Duncan Foster will direct, with Lesley Douglas producing.
This new drama continues the BBC’s investment in the North East’s creative talent and production landscape, with The Northumbria Mysteries standing proudly at the forefront of that commitment.
