Scripted

The Holiday is a 4x60' thriller and is expected to go into production in the first quarter of 2021. Respected writer Michael Crompton (Silent Witness, Safe House, Kidnap and Ransom) is adapting the novel for television, while Dave Clarke from NENT Studios UK, Rachel Gesua and Trevor Eve from Projector Pictures, Mike Benson from Clapperboard Studios, Herbert Kloiber and Olivia Pahl from Night Train Media are executive producers for the series.

The Holiday, a Richard and Judy Book Club thriller, spent ten weeks on the Sunday Times’ top ten bestsellers’ list in 2019 and has been described as “a blistering page-turner; perfectly plotted, riveting, and with an exceptional ending”.

It was supposed to be the perfect holiday - a group of families enjoying a week together in the sun. Four women who have been best friends for as long as they can remember making the most of a luxurious villa in the south of France. But on the day they arrive, Kate uncovers a secret: her husband is having an affair. The dream holiday quickly becomes a nightmare when she suspects the other woman is one of her best friends, working against Kate to destroy her family. But which one is it? As Kate closes in on the truth in the stifling Mediterranean heat, she realises too late that the stakes are far higher than she ever imagined…Because someone in the villa may be prepared to kill to keep their secret hidden.

Adam Barth, commercial director at NENT Studios UK, negotiated the commission with Channel 5. He comments: “Channel 5 has commissioned some standout, ratings-winning thrillers in the past couple of years, so we are delighted that it quickly saw the potential in The Holiday as its next gripping new drama series.

“At NENT Studios UK, we pride ourselves on finding interesting projects, driving their development and then bringing together the right investment and creative partners to make those projects really fly. After the success of Channel 5’s Cold Call (produced by the same team under sister label Chalkboard TV), Clapperboard Studios was seen as a natural co-production partner for The Holiday and we are excited to be working with Mike and his talented team, alongside our development partners for this series, Projector Pictures and Night Train Media.”

Sebastian Cardwell, SVP, deputy director of programmes for Channel 5 says: “I look forward to seeing the result of this creative collaboration. With a compelling storyline drawn from a real page-turner of a book, and a sun-kissed Mediterranean backdrop, The Holiday should make thrilling television.”

Mike Benson from Clapperboard Studios says: “I read the book in one sitting – it’s such a gripping study of the simmering dynamics between families and friends, packed with sun, suspicion and unexpected twists. Along with our team of talented partners we’re relishing the challenge of adapting such a much-loved and successful novel for Channel 5.”

Rachel Gesua from Projector Pictures adds: “Projector is thrilled to be producing The Holiday alongside a wonderful team of collaborators. I knew immediately when I put down the book that it would make a brilliant adaptation – set against the backdrop of the blue skies and sweltering heat of a summer holiday, it is a compelling thriller with a twist no audience will see coming. I’m excited it’s found its place at Channel 5, home to so many recent impressive dramas.

Herbert Kloiber, CEO of Night Train Media concludes: “We are very excited to team with NENT Studios UK on The Holiday, marking the first of several exceptional projects we are joining forces on together. T.M.Logan’s book was a fantastic success, which we are looking forward to bringing to the screen for audiences worldwide to enjoy.”

The Holiday is now available for pre-sale, with NENT Studios UK distributing.