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Blue Lights favourite confirmed to lead brand-new ITV crime thriller adaptation

The new series is based on Gytha Lodge's Jonah Sheens series of crime novels.

Martin McCann as Stevie Neil in Blue Lights, wearing a police uniform and looking into the camera

BBC/Two Cities Television/Todd Antony

Published: Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 3:02 pm

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ITV has announced a brand-new crime drama, titled She Lies in Wait, which is set to be led by Blue Lights star Martin McCann.

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The new series, which is based on Gytha Lodge's Jonah Sheens series of crime novels will star McCann as central character DI Jonah Sheens.

The timeline flips between the past and present, following a group of teenagers enjoying a camping trip – that is, until one of them vanishes.

The official book synopsis reads: "On a hot July night in 1983, six school friends go camping in the forest. Bright and brilliant, they are destined for great things, and young Aurora Jackson is dazzled to be allowed to tag along…"

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It continues: "Thirty years later, a body is discovered. DCI Sheens is called to the scene, but he already knows what's waiting for him: Aurora Jackson, found at long last. But that's not all.

"The friends have all maintained their innocence, but the body is found in a hideaway only the six of them knew about. It seems the killer has always lurked very close to home..."

McCann is best known for playing Stevie Neil – the world-worn police sergeant and partner of Grace Ellis (Sian Brooke) – in Blue Lights.

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His other TV credits include Marcella, The Fall, Vera, Temple and Say Nothing, while previous big-screen roles include the likes of Clash of the Titans and '71.

The new series will also star Jemima Rooper (The Split), Al Weaver (Grantchester), Ben Bailey Smith (Little Disasters), Bradley James (Vikings: Valhalla), Jade Harrison (Beyond Paradise) and Olivia Mace (Doctors).

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Authors

RadioTimes.com senior trends writer Molly Moss. She is sitting outside wearing a black top, holding a white teacup with a smily face on it to her mouth

Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.

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