STV to produce psychological thriller for ITV Network

The ITV network has commissioned STV and GroupM Entertainment to produce a brand new two-part drama based on the dark and captivating novel by Erin Kelly, The Poison Tree.

The drama of human desires, betrayal and deception. It tells the story of a haunted woman, translator Karen Clarke, who will go to extraordinary lengths to protect her family and the secrets that she keeps from them.

“We are delighted to be working with STV and Emilia di Girolamo on this intriguing and emotional thriller. Erin Kelly’s novel is rich and absorbing and is perfectly suited to ITV.” Said Steve November at ITV Drama.

In the two, hour-long, episodes for a 9pm slot, STV Productions will bring to life this psychological and atmospheric thriller. Brief flashbacks to the past will tell the story of an ordinary girl thrown into an extraordinary world, as Karen first meets the glamorous Biba and her brother Rex in one long summer of love, but quickly becomes tangled up in their tragic family history with the romantic idyll turning into a nightmare – one that haunts her to the present day.

 Margaret Enefer, Head of Drama for STV Productions, adds, “We are thrilled to be bringing this dark and bewitching psychological thriller to life on screen for ITV1. We’re certain it will grip viewers from start to finish.”

The cast has been confirmed with up-and-coming actress MyAnna Buring playing Karen. Biba will be played by Ophelia Lovibond and Matthew Goode will play Rex.

The Poison Tree was ordered by Laura Mackie, Director of Drama Commissioning at ITV and the mini-series will go into production this summer and will transmit on ITV1 later this year.