ITV has commissioned ‘Two Birds‘, a new six-part mystery thriller starring Sheridan Smith (No Return, The Teacher), with the drama set and filmed in Western Australia.
Written by Helen FitzGerald, whose previous credits include The Cry, the series follows British police constable Izzie Cornwell, a woman trying to rebuild her life after being widowed. Hoping for a fresh start in Australia, Izzie arrives in a remote mining town to reconnect with her sister and repair her relationship with her twenty-year-old daughter. Naturally, things do not stay simple for long.
When Izzie is pulled into a murder investigation alongside Matt, a homicide detective from Perth played by Stephen Peacocke (Five Bedrooms, The Newsreader), she finds herself up against a notorious local crime family led by Judy Davis (Nitram, The Dressmaker). But the biggest problem may be one of her own making, after a reckless final night before joining the case leaves her carrying a secret she is desperate to keep hidden.
Set against the backdrop of Kalgoorlie and the red-earth landscapes of Western Australia, ‘Two Birds’ sounds like it is leaning hard into both mystery and atmosphere, with ITV describing it as a twisty thriller packed with humanity. It also marks the first production to shoot in the new Perth Film Studios.
Smith said: “I’m thrilled to be playing the irresistibly complex Izzie Cornwell who is in search of new beginnings in Australia. Helen FitzGerald has created a dream role for me, as Izzie, through no fault of her own, becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and lies. I’m also looking forward to returning to film in Australia and working with the team at AC Chapter One, ITV and STAN, Australia as we bring Two Birds to life.”
ITV drama commissioner Callum Dziedzic added: “From the very first script, it felt like we’d struck gold with Two Birds. Built on an irresistible hook, Helen FitzGerald has crafted a propulsive, twisty thriller with real humanity. Sheridan is perfect in the lead and brings her inimitable warmth and depth to Izzie. We can’t wait for our audience to join her in Dugdale and see the extraordinary scale of the gold mine for themselves.”
Patrick Spence of AC Chapter One said: “Helen FitzGerald has a voice any producer would kill for: unique, challenging and mischievous. We are all so proud to be bringing her work to the screen.”
Helen FitzGerald also commented: “I’ve been dreaming about Izzie Cornwell and Mrs Baxter in my head for years now, they are the most personal characters I have ever created. I asked Griff if we could try for Sheridan and Judy to play them, and he only came back with them both! Two Birds, indeed. So, this really is a dream come true for me.”
James Griffiths is directing, with Megan Palinkas writing one episode and Corrie Chen directing three episodes. The series is executive produced by Patrick Spence through AC Chapter One, with Martha Coleman producing through Third Act Stories. In Australia, STAN is co-producing.
‘Two Birds‘ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on ITV in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Photos provided by ITV. Photography credit for Sheridan Smith is Nick James. Photography credit for Stephen Peacocke is Alex Vaughan.
Login to Geektown