Richard Armitage to Star in ITV’s New Crime Drama ‘Winter’
British Actor Takes on New Detective Role
Richard Armitage, known for his role in ‘Fool Me Once’, will star alongside Annabel Scholey in a new detective drama series ‘Winter’ for PBS Masterpiece and ITV. Based on the long-running French crime series Balthazar, ‘Winter’ follows the titular Ethan Winter, who possesses an analytical mind capable of deductive reasoning. This announcement marks another significant milestone in Armitage’s impressive television career, particularly following his successful appearances in multiple Harlan Coben adaptations.
About the Series
In the show, Richard will play Dr Ethan Winter, a forensic pathologist with an ‘extraordinary analytical mind’, whose ‘impeccable deductive reasoning’ sees him join forces with DI Lauren Bell, played by The Split star Annabel Scholey. Set in Bristol, Dr Ethan Winter is one of the most gifted pathologists of his generation. The character partnership between Winter and Bell promises compelling drama, as both professionals share an equally driven approach to solving complex murder cases.
Yet Winter is harbouring a secret—the unsolved murder of someone close to him still haunts his every move. This personal element adds depth to the procedural format, creating a dual narrative of professional excellence and personal torment. Armitage described the scripts as ‘very exciting’ and noted they ‘will attempt to shake up the genre that we’ve grown to love’.
Production Details and Release Timeline
Filming is due to commence in Bristol and Belgium during early 2026. The show is the latest collaboration between PBS and ITV, joining the likes of Downton Abbey, Grantchester and Professor T. The police procedural consists of six episodes, ensuring a focused narrative arc for viewers.
Winter will be directed by Dries Vos (The Couple Next Door, Professor T) and Kaat Beels (Professor T, The Twelve), bringing experienced directors who understand the crime drama genre. Given the production timeline, audiences can expect the series to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.
Significance for British Television
This new series represents ITV’s continued investment in quality crime drama programming and showcases Richard Armitage’s evolution as a leading man in the genre. His transition from fantasy epics like ‘The Hobbit’ to sophisticated detective dramas demonstrates his versatility. For viewers, ‘Winter’ promises to deliver a fresh take on the forensic pathologist procedural, combining scientific expertise with compelling personal storytelling. The international co-production with PBS Masterpiece also ensures the series will reach audiences across both the UK and United States, potentially becoming another transatlantic television success story.