A+E Networks International has begun development on its first international, scripted co-production, Miss Scarlet and The Duke, a full-throttle crime drama about the first ever-female detective in 19th century London. This follows on the heels of the recent announcement that Moreyba Bidessie joined A+E Networks as Director of Scripted Development and Sales.

 

The new series stars the incredibly talented, award-winning Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders, The Crown, upcoming Downton Abbey feature film) as Eliza Scarlet, and is created and written by Rachael New (Grantchester for ITV, The Mallorca Filesfor BBC, Eastenders for BBC1). The project originated with Element 8 Entertainment’s producing team including Patty Ishimoto (Rogue) along with Todd Berger (Wynonna Earp) and Patrick Irwin (The Fall) to exec produce. A+E Networks is currently negotiating deals in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S. with the aim of going into production end of Q1 2019.

 

In Miss Scarlet and the Duke, when Eliza Scarlet’s father dies, he leaves her penniless in a time where marriage is her only option for financial security. But the headstrong Eliza is determined to find another way.

 

Luckily, she has an ace up her bonnet – her father’s business – a private detective agency. Eliza knows all the tricks of the trade but as a genteel 19th century lady she’s never been allowed to put them into practice. To operate in this man’s world, she needs a partner.

 

Step forward Detective Inspector William Wellington of Scotland Yard, who is also known as “The Duke;” drinker, gambler and womaniser. Eliza and Duke strike up a mismatched, fiery relationship that will crackle and smoulder with sexual tension as they team up to solve crime in the murkiest depths of 1880’s London.