Holding: release date of ITV drama based on Graham Norton’s book, who’s in cast with Conleth Hill, and trailer

Holding, a murder-mystery set in Ireland, is ITV’s latest new drama.

The four-part series, which is adapted from a novel by Graham Norton, begins on Monday 14 March.

Here’s everything you need to know about Holding.

What is it about?

The official synopsis for Holding explains that “when the body of long-lost local legend Tommy Burke is discovered, local police sergeant PJ Collins is called to solve a serious crime for the first time in his career, and he finally has to connect with the village he has tried hard to avoid.”

Through the murder mystery, the series “explores themes of grief, community, family, and various shades of love - from quietly passionate to taboo to unrequited.”

Is it based on a book?

Yes, it is. Holding is adapted from talk show host Graham Norton’s 2017 debut novel.

Who is in the cast?

Conleth Hill stars as PJ, described as “one of life’s outsiders, lovable, but lonely and a bit rubbish at his job.” You’re most likely to recognise Hill as Varys from Game of Thrones, but the Irish actor has also appeared in films like Official Secrets and Herself, as well as the television series Vienna Blood.

Siobhán McSweeney stars as the “vulnerable but joyful” Bríd Riordan, due to marry Tommy before his disappearance. McSweeney has previously appeared in Nowhere Special and Anthony, and hosts the Great Sewing Bee, but she’s best known as Sister Michael from Derry Girls.

They’re joined by Charlene McKenna (Peaky Blinders), Helen Behan (Elizabeth is Missing), Brenda Fricker (My Left Foot), Pauline McLynn (Father Ted), and Clinton Liberty (Normal People) amongst others.

The series was written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (producer of A Very British Scandal) and Karen Cogan (Fled), and directed by Kathy Burke (Nil by Mouth).

Is there a trailer?

Yes, there is. You can see it – and the sleep village rocked by crime – right here.

When and where can I watch it?

Holding begins on ITV at 9pm on Monday 14 March.

It will also be available to watch on ITV Hub.

Where is it filmed?

The series was filmed on location in West Cork in Ireland, in particular Drimoleague and Castletownshend.

What do reviews of Holding say?

In NationalWorld’s review of the series, we praised Conleth Hill’s performance as a police officer “singularly unsuited to solving any crime, let alone a murder”, though wondered if four episodes gave the series enough space to juggle both a crime drama and portrait of a small town.

You can read our full review here.

Why should I watch it?

Because Norton’s novel was particularly acclaimed when it was first released, and moving this sort of story to a new setting should give it a more distinct feel too.

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