ITV Studios partners with Lynda La Plante

ITV Studios has today announced a multi-year, exclusive deal with La Plante Productions, the independent producer set up by acclaimed author and screenwriter Lynda La Plante.

Under the deal, ITV will get worldwide distribution rights to around 120 hours of the firm's "prestigious content", as well as first-look options on any new projects.

Established in 1993, La Plante Productions adapts TV shows from La Plante's best-selling novels, including courtroom series Trial & Retribution, The Commander starring Amanda Burton and prison drama The Governor.

The agreement with ITV also includes rights to successful crime thriller Above Suspicion, which stars Kelly Reilly as female detective DC Anna Travis.

Latest instalment Above Suspicion: The Red Dahlia recently premiered on ITV1 to around 6.7m viewers in primetime, while third series Above Suspicion: Deadly Intent is currently in production.

"La Plante Productions has established an impressive slate of world class drama which continues to prove hugely successful on the international stage," said Maria Kyriacou, ITV Studios Global Entertainment managing director.

"Content from leading, third party producers forms an important part of our portfolio and this deal is a fantastic example of our continued commitment to acquire first class, long running programmes for international distribution."

Commenting on the deal, La Plante said: "La Plante Productions is all about quality and talent and I am therefore very happy that ITV Studios Global Entertainment are working alongside us to ensure that our productions continue to find new audiences internationally."

La Plante Productions managing director Liz Thorburn added: "As an independent production company we continue to enjoy a close working relationship with ITV Drama and we see this as a natural and exciting extension of that relationship.

"We are thrilled that ITV Studios Global Entertainment will be taking our productions to the international market place."