'Karen Pirie's Lauren Lyle to Star in Thriller 'The Ridge'

When a series that's been running for over a decade finally wraps up, it's always interesting to see where the stars go next. For example, as Outlander concludes, Caitríona Balfe is doing voice over work in fantasy shows and supporting roles in big budget films; Sam Hueghan is taking on contemporary roles in what should be sexy thrillers. Meanwhile their co-star, Lauren Lyle, is leaning even more into her Scottish roots, starring first in the adaptation of Karen Pirie, as the titular detective in Val McDermid's series of the same name, and now in The Ridge, a "Scottish-New Zealand" co-production.

Karen Pirie did modestly well when it arrived as a binge on BritBox in 2022, back when the streaming service was still co-owned by the BBC and ITV and marketed by neither; however the second season is expected to arrive in April 2025 (no firm date has been set) and with Brenda Blethlyn retiring from Vera, Karen Pirie is well positioned to fill that void. Lyle seems to be embracing the gritty crime genre, as The Ridge is also a series filled with atmospheric gloom; just filmed in New Zealand instead of Scotland, a Kiwi Noir cousin to McDermid's tartan noir.

Speaking on location (yes in New Zealand) at the start of the shoot, Lyle said: "I'm very excited to be bringing this strange, gothic, psychological thriller to life. Mia is such a fascinating character in a very weird world which is quite delicious to play. It feels like something very bad will play out.. in a good way!! New Zealand is also a second home to me so it's a joy to be back."