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“OVER my dead body, Andrew…”

Rory Kinnear as Barry Fairbrother in BBC1’s new three-part adaptation of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.

Jo Rowling’s first novel for an adult audience, published in 2012, became a global best-seller with over six million copies sold to date.

The 3 x 60 minute television adaptation, written by Sarah Phelps and directed by Jonny Campbell, begins on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday Feb 15.

Set in what appears to be the idyllic English village of Pagford.

Those who have read the 500-page book will know that it deals with how we live today, including issues of community and responsibility.

“THIS town – it’s all secrets. Everyone knows something you don’t.”

Sherlock star Andrew Scott leads the cast of three-part ITV1 drama The Town.

A contemporary story also featuring Martin Clunes, Charlotte Riley, Julia McKenzie, Gerard Kearns, Kelly Adams and remarkable teenage newcomer Avigail Tlalim.

It’s Olivier-award winning writer Mike Bartlett’s first TV drama and begins on ITV1 at 9pm on Wednesday December 5.

Unlocking a mystery over three hours of a fresh and intriguing drama.

I had the pleasure of interviewing seven cast members for ITV1’s production notes / press pack.

John Jasper (Matthew Rhys), Rosa Budd (Tamzin Merchant) and Edwin Drood (Freddie Fox)

“IT’S not a challenge you could turn down. You’ve got half a novel.

“My wife calls me, ‘The man who’s finished off Dickens.’

“Which I think is unfair.”

The Mystery of Edwin Drood director Diarmuid Lawrence speaking at the British Film Institute in London last month.

Ahead of the two-part BBC2 adaptation at 9pm tonight (Tuesday) and tomorrow.

Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple

MISS Marple returns to TV in a new film this Bank Holiday Monday.

Including a hair-raising experience for Holly Willoughby as a 17th century witch.

The Dancing On Ice and This Morning presenter is famous for her flowing locks and bubbly smile.

But she looks very different in her cameo appearance as Goody Carne in ITV1 Agatha Christie film The Pale Horse.

Have a very happy Cranford Christmas

WILL Miss Matty find romance in the second of two new Cranford films?

“She deserves a bit of happiness,” I suggested to Dame Judi Dench – the woman who plays her.

“You reckon,” replied Judi, with that trademark twinkle in her eye.

“Well quite. And about bloody time. Poor old Miss Matty.

“She starts to have a really nice time. Wait ‘til Cranford 3,” she laughed.