Art Detectives on U&Drama: Inside 'compelling' new crime drama starring Stephen Moyer
Natasha Rigler | 9:34am Thu 21 Aug | Updated 9:37am Thu 21 AugArt Detectives is a new crime series starring Stephen Moyer that sees grisly murders collide with arts and antiques.
Stephen plays DI Mick Palmer in the U&Drama show, an art-loving detective who combines his job with his passion while working at the Met Police’s Heritage Crime Unit.
Along with his female sidekick, DC Shazia Malik, DI Palmer is the first point of call when a murder case connected to the world of art and treasured collectables needs solving.
The series, described as “compelling”, is also entwined with both a blossoming romance and surprise return of a no good family member… who happens to be one of Britain’s most notorious forgers.
Stephen Moyer stars as DI Mick Palmer in Art Detectives [Credit: U&Drama]
Art Detectives on U&Drama: What is it about?
Art Detectives is set in the Metropolitan Police’s smallest department; the Heritage Crime Unit. But that doesn’t mean the cases landing on its desk are minor.
DI Mick Palmer leads the department and his only colleague is DI Shazia Malik, a plain-speaking young detective who is keen to learn the ropes. With DI Palmer’s expertise and knowledge, and DI Malik’s tenacious but frank attitude, they are tasked with solving perplexing and often brutal murders linked to the world of art and antiques.
Old Master paintings, Banksy street art, medieval manuscripts and collectible vinyl are all associated with wealth and status. But as each episode of Art Detectives unfolds, it also lifts the lid on a dark underbelly driven by greed, obsession, lust and revenge.
While navigating his case load, DI Palmer is also enjoying a budding romance with museum curator Rosa. But the sudden reemergence of his art criminal father looks set to derail both his personal and professional life.
Who’s in the cast?
Easy-on-the-eye Stephen Moyer takes the lead role of DI Mick Palmer in Art Detectives. Stephen is best known for starring in True Blood. He played vampire Bill Compton in the HBO television series from 2008 to 2014.
Stephen, who is married to his True Blood co-star Anna Paquin, began his professional career on stage. He’s also appeared in Channel 4 drama Men Only, ITV‘s Safe House and US superhero series, The Gifted.
Nina Singh takes on the role of DI Shazia Malik. Nina’s television credits include guest roles in BBC drama series Waterloo Road, BBC’s Beyond Paradise and The Lazarus Project, which aired on Sky Max.
DI Shazia Malik is portrayed by Nina Singh [Credit: U&Drama]
Gavin & Stacey fans will be delighted to see Larry Lamb back on their screens. But Mick Shipman he is not! Larry’s character is more akin to Archie Mitchell in EastEnders than Mick.
Larry plays DI Palmer’s absentee father Ron. Described as a “dirt bag”, he’s also a convicted art criminal, which somewhat complicates things…
Where was Art Detectives filmed?
Art Detectives set just outside of London but it wasn’t actually filmed there. The series was shot entirely in Northern Ireland. The main filming base was in Belfast and the crew used multiple locations in the surrounding areas.
These included the historic John Hewitt Bar, which was also featured in BBC police drama Line of Duty. Blinkers Cafe was another location, along with the ornate Queen’s Arcade and iconic Custom House Square. Film crews were also spotted at Ballywater Park in County Down.
DI Palmer’s no good father is played by Larry Lamb [Credit: U&Drama]
Start date and how many episodes
Art Detectives is a six-part series, with each episode lasting an hour including ad breaks. There is a new crime to crack in each episode, meaning the detectives need to get their heads down, fast!
A start date for Art Detectives is yet to be confirmed, although it will air on U&Drama this autumn. It was previously available on subscription service Acorn TV, but the entire boxset can be streamed for free on U once the first episode lands on U&Drama.
Read more: Ridley on ITV: Filming locations across Lancashire and beyond
