‘Downton Abbey’ star to star in new crime drama adapted from best-selling novel series – details

Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan is set to star in Channel 5’s upcoming cozy crime drama series. The Puzzle Lady – and we can hardly wait.

The BAFTA award-winning actress, known and loved for her portrayal of Mrs. Hughes in the ITV period drama, will lead the cast as the eponymous Puzzle Lady, Cora Felton, in the six-part series, based on the film by American author Parnell Hall based best-selling books.

Set in the sleepy market town of Bakerbury, the drama follows newcomer Cora as she helps the police with a strange murder case.

The full summary continues: “The local police are puzzled by a crossword puzzle left on the body. With their case going nowhere, they reluctantly turn to Cora Felton, who recently arrived in Bakerbury. Her fame as the eponymous “Puzzle Lady” suggests that she can help DCI Hooper and the Bakerbury police solve his first murder case. But the eccentric Cora is not who she appears to be, and when she throws herself into a murder mystery that mystifies the town’s residents, she begins to gather allies and enemies alike.

Production is officially underway in Northern Ireland, with the series expected to air on Channel 5 in 2025.

© Joss Barratt

Dominique Moloney, who is known for her writing work Country Girl, Father Brown And Shakespeare and Hathawayis the author of the series. Meanwhile, Tom Dalton (The greatest TV show ever: Agatha and the Midnight Murders) is at the top as director.

The series is produced by Factual Fiction and December Films with additional funding from Northern Ireland Screen. While PBS Distribution is on board as US distributor.

BBC

Paul Testar, Editor-in-Chief of Drama at Channel 5 and Paramount+, said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Puzzle Lady to Channel 5. A gripping, cozy crime drama that will puzzle and entertain viewers in equal measure. Phyllis Logan will be outstanding as Cora Felton, our Puzzle Lady.”

Meanwhile, Factual Fiction managing director Emily Dalton added: “In Cora Felton, Dominique Moloney has written a character who jumps out of the book and we are so happy that the wonderful Phyllis Logan will be bringing The Puzzle Lady to life. This will be my fifth project. “Working in Northern Ireland with some of the best crews in the UK – it feels a bit like coming home.”

Phyllis, 68, is a familiar face to viewers thanks to her roles in The Movie Downton Abbey, hope and glory, misconduct, and lastly, Shetland Series eight.

Together with Channel 5 The puzzle lady, Fans will also see Phyllis on the big screen again in the upcoming third Downton Abbey film, hitting theaters worldwide on September 12, 2025.