Downton Abbey star lands major new TV role in Channel 5 murder mystery

Channel 5 has announced details of new crime drama The Puzzle Lady, which will air on screens next year and stars Downton Abbey icon Phyllis Logan in the lead role

Channel 5 has announced the arrival of an entrancing new crime series titled The Puzzle Lady, expected to grace our screens next year. The show is a creation from Fiction and December Films, with notable actress Phyllis Logan recognised for her role as Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey taking the lead.

At the age of 68, Logan embodies the character of Cora Felton, who stands centre stage as the mysterious Puzzle Lady. This upcoming series draws its inspiration from the widely acclaimed novels penned by the late American writer Parnell Hall.

Renowned for his engaging Puzzle Lady novels alongside the Stanley Hastings mystery series, Hall's contribution to the literary world continued until his demise in 2020.

The storyline of The Puzzle Lady unfolds with an enigmatic homicide occurring within the tranquil confines of Bakerbury. A puzzling crossword puzzle discovered on the death scene leaves local authorities perplexed prompting Channel 5's synopsis which highlights: "The local police are baffled by a crossword puzzle left on the body. With their case going nowhere, they turn reluctantly to Cora Felton, a recent arrival in Bakerbury; whose fame as the eponymous Puzzle Lady suggests she can help DCI Hooper and the Bakerbury police solve its first murder case."

The narrative takes a twist revealing that the quirky Cora is not all she presents herself to be, drawing viewers into her web as she delves into a murder investigation that confounds the townspeople, gaining friends and foes along the way, reports the Mirror.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor for Drama at both Channel 5 and Paramount+ shared his excitement about the project, saying, "We're very pleased to bring The Puzzle Lady to Channel 5, a compelling, cosy crime drama that will keep viewers guessing and entertained equally. Phyllis Logan will be excellent as Cora Felton, our Puzzle Lady."

Emily Dalton, Managing Director at Factual Fiction, expressed her enthusiasm about casting for the series: "With Cora Felton, Dominique Moloney has written a character that leaps off the page and we are so happy that the wonderful Phyllis Logan will bring The Puzzle Lady to life. This will be my fifth project in Northern Ireland, working with some of the best crew in the UK - it feels a bit like coming home."

Filming for The Puzzle Lady is underway in Northern Ireland and viewers can anticipate its premiere on Channel 5 in the UK come 2025.

From December Films, Todd Berger shared his excitement: "It's a huge pleasure to now be going into production on this show. We wish Parnell was still around to see this day, and are grateful for the support of his Estate, and to our partners ZDFS, Channel 5, PBS Distribution, Channel Zero and NI Screen."