SCOTTISH crime author Ian Rankin has written a TV series for Channel 4 that will see members of the public take on the role of detective and lead their own investigations.

Murder Island, which was filmed during the summer and airs next month, will blend factual, drama and competition formats.

WHAT DO WE KNOW SO FAR?

The six-part series is based around a murder plot, written and developed by Rankin, that stars a group of amateur detectives who will compete to solve a crime and build a “watertight case” that can stand up in court.

Murder Island is produced by STV Studios and Motion Content Group for Channel 4.

Contestants on Murder Island will be overseen by some of the UK’s leading senior investigating officers for the £50,000 prize.

WHEN IS IT ON? 

Murder Island begins on Tuesday, October 5 at 9.30pm on Channel 4. The six-part series will air weekly from then onwards.

It will also be available to catch up on All 4.

WHERE WAS IT FILMED?

Filmed on the Scottish island of Gigha over the summer of 2021. The island, which is found off the west coast of Kintyre, has a population of just 163 people and is home to an abundance of wildlife.

WHO IS IAN RANKIN?

Ian Rankin is best known for his Inspector Rebus series of novels, which are set mainly in Edinburgh. He has published more than 20 novels, two short story collections and one original graphic novel.

READ MORE: Scots island stars in new TV series penned by author Ian Rankin

Rankin was born in Cardenden in Fife but now lives in Edinburgh which is where most of his novels are set. 

He was previously the recipient of honorary degrees from the universities of Hull, Abertay, St Andrews and Edinburgh as well as The Open University.

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT THE SHOW?

Rankin said: “When it comes to writing a whodunit I usually call the shots, taking the reader only to the places I want them to visit and showing them only the characters I want them to see. Murder Island is different.

“The detectives can follow any strand, uncovering clues as they go and asking the suspects any questions they like. Will I manage to stay one step ahead of them? I think I’ve constructed my twistiest story yet – so let’s see.”

Kelly Webb-Lamb, deputy director of programmes and head of popular factual at Channel 4, said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with the world-renowned Ian Rankin, STV Studios and Motion in making this ambitious, challenging and genre-busting series.

“In a television first, members of the public step into the crime scene and compete to solve the murder.”

Craig Hunter, creative director of factual at STV Studios, said: “I’m thrilled that Ian agreed to work with us on this project.

“It was certainly a leap into the unknown when he set out to write the plot for Murder Island. But, in true Rankin fashion, he has created an incredible narrative, from which this exciting new format hangs...”

WHO ARE THE MURDER ISLAND DETECTIVES?

The contestants will be under the watchful eye if senior investigating officer Parm Sandhu – a former Chief Superintendent with the Met Police, author and broadcaster.

Alongside her will be deputies Simon Harding, a former Detective Chief Inspector with the Met Police who now runs a Specialist Crime Consulting Group, Graham McMillan, a Detective Sergeant with the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

WHO WILL THE CONTESTANTS BE?

Channel 4 has not yet announced which eight contestants will be putting their sleuthing skills to the test on Murder Island so stay tuned for updates.