THE search is on for a new Miss Marple.
Just in from ITV is the announcement that Geraldine McEwan is to hang up her knitting needles and retire from the role of the spinster sleuth.
“Of course, it is terribly disappointing to have to pass the baton on,” said Geraldine.
“But it has been a marvellous experience to inhabit this role for the last few years, and I am sure that my successor, whomever she may be, will throroughly enjoy her time with the production team.
“And with the extraordinarily talented group of writers and actors that they come up with for each series.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on Miss Marple since 2003, and I leave with fond memories.”
I interviewed Geraldine before that very first revamped Marple series and have spoken to her several times since.

She first appeared in Agatha’s Christie’s Marple in The Body In The Library in 2004.
The veteran actress went on to appear in a total of 12 films, 10 of which have been screened.
Towards Zero and Nemesis are awaiting transmission dates..
Geraldine is the sixth actress to portray the character on screen, following in the footsteps of Gracie Fields, Margaret Rutherford, Angela Lansbury, Helen Hayes and Joan Hickson.
Agatha Christie’s grandson Matthew Prichard said today that Geraldine had been key to the new approach adopted for the ITV1 series.
“We will miss her – but are looking forward to seeing what new aspects of Jane Marple’s character our new Miss Marple might be able to explore.”
The search begins next week.
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