Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has commissioned The Walsh Sisters, a new six-part returnable drama series inspired by five of the novels from Irish author Marian Keyes. It will be made by McMafia producers Cuba Pictures and Irish based Metropolitan Films International, in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland. The director is Ian FitzGibbon.
The series features the chaotic, dysfunctional but deeply loveable Walsh family of five sisters, a devout mother and a bemused father.
Cineflix Rights is the exclusive worldwide distribution partner on the six-part series, which has been acquired by the BBC.
Stefanie Preissner, the Dublin-based screenwriter, author, and actor, known for RTÉ’s comedy drama Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, was entrusted with adapting the novels, leading the writing team with four episodes. Writer Kefi Chadwick (Rivals, Death in Paradise) completes the team with two episodes.
Marian Keyes said: “I love the scripts; they’ve really kept the spirit of the books. It’s been almost impossible to keep this a secret and it’s a great feeling that the news is now out in the world.”
The series, which will shoot in early 2025 for an autumn launch on RTÉ followed by BBC iPlayer and BBC One, is billed as a ‘comedy about serious things — a pacey, brutally honest and uncompromisingly funny exposé of the realities of being an Irish sister’.
David Crean, Head of Drama at RTÉ, said: “Marian Keyes is a much-loved author and Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have brilliantly captured and re-imagined her world. It’s going to be a huge treat for audiences everywhere. I’m delighted to add this brilliant drama series to our slate for 2025 and beyond.”
Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, said: “The Walsh Sisters novels have given so much pleasure to so many readers over the years, and we are truly delighted that such a wonderful team will be bringing these witty, warm, and oh-so-relatable characters to life.”
Stefanie Preissner said: “It was such an honour to be asked to adapt Marian’s amazing books. Rachel’s Holiday was the first book I ever bought with my own money, and she has lived in my heart since that day. The team at Cuba Pictures are a joy and the whole process has been gorgeous. I cannot wait for everyone to see the magic we are making.”
Dixie Linder (McMafia, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and soon to be released The Rumour) CEO at Cuba Pictures, said: “We are incredibly proud to bring The Walsh Sisters to life, working alongside such talented partners as RTÉ, BBC, Screen Ireland, Cineflix Rights and Metropolitan Films. With the incomparable stories of Marian Keyes as our foundation, Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have crafted a rich and heartfelt adaptation that captures the humour, resilience, and emotion at the heart of these beloved characters and with Ian FitzGibbon at the helm as director, we can’t wait to share the series with everyone.”
David McLoughlin (KIN, The Tourist 2, and Wednesday 2), Producer and Company Director at Metropolitan Films International, said “We are delighted to partner with Dixie and Cuba Pictures on this wonderful production, bringing together so many creative talents, and with our excellent funding partners RTÉ, BBC, Cineflix Rights and Screen Ireland.”
The Executive Producers are RTÉ’s Head of Drama, David Crean, and Director of Co-productions and Acquisitions, Dermot Horan; Cuba Pictures’ joint CEOs Dixie Linder and Nick Marston; Metropolitan Films Producer and Director David McLoughlin; and James Durie and Tom Misselbrook for Cineflix Rights; Stefanie Preissner; and Marian Keyes and Tony Baines.
Pippa Considine
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