BBC to air new drama The Walsh Sisters, based on novels by acclaimed author Marian Keyes

Published: December 3, 2024 — The BBC has acquired The Walsh Sisters, a new drama series inspired by five of the novels from celebrated Irish author and global bestseller, Marian Keyes (https://amzn.to/3ZDlcRG / https://amzn.to/3OA0nAf).

The series features the chaotic, dysfunctional but deeply loveable Walsh family of five sisters, a devout mother and a bemused father.

Commissioned by Irish public broadcaster RTÉ, The Walsh Sisters (6×60’) will be directed by Ian FitzGibbon (Hullraisers, Moone Boy) and produced by award-winning independent production companies Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films International, in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland. Cineflix Rights will handle international distribution.

Stefanie Preissner, the Dublin-based screenwriter, author, and actor, known for RTÉ’s comedy drama Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope, has adapted the novels, leading the writing team with four episodes. The award-winning writer Kefi Chadwick (Rivals, Death in Paradise) completes the team with two episodes.

The series revolves around characters from five of the novels by Marian Keyes, one of the most successful Irish novelists of all time, including international bestsellers Rachel’s Holiday and Anybody Out There. Marian’s many accolades include five Irish Book Awards and being named Author of the Year at the prestigious British Book Awards in 2022 (https://amzn.to/3ZDlcRG / https://amzn.to/3OA0nAf).

Since her first novel was published in 1995, more than 39 million copies of Keyes’ books have been sold around the world, translated into 36 languages.

Marian Keyes says: “This is SO exciting!!!! I’m beside myself! I love the scripts; they’ve really kept the spirit of the books. It’s been almost impossible to keep this a secret and it’s a great feeling that the news is now out in the world.”

The series, billed as a ‘comedy about serious things — a pacey, brutally honest and uncompromisingly funny exposé of the realities of being an Irish sister’, begins filming in early 2025 and will launch on RTÉ followed by BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, says: “The Walsh Sisters novels have given so much pleasure to so many readers over the years, and we are truly delighted that such a wonderful team will be bringing these witty, warm, and oh-so-relatable characters to life.”

David Crean, Head of Drama at RTÉ, says: “It’s beyond exciting to be able to announce the news that The Walsh Sisters is going into production. Marian Keyes is a much-loved author and Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have brilliantly captured and re-imagined her world. It’s going to be a huge treat for audiences everywhere. I’m delighted to add this brilliant drama series to our slate for 2025 and beyond.”

Stefanie Preissner says: “It was such an honour to be asked to adapt Marian’s amazing books. Rachel’s Holiday was the first book I ever bought with my own money, and she has lived in my heart since that day. The team at Cuba are a joy and the whole process has been gorgeous. I cannot wait for everyone to see the magic we are making”.

Set in their Dublin hometown, The Walsh Sisters follows the lives of Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire and Helen as they navigate the peaks and troughs of their late 20s and 30s. This is a sisterhood full of in-jokes, hand-me-down resentments and more than a few old wounds. But their DNA, history and shared love of power ballads keep the Walsh sisters together in the face of heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood.

Dixie Linder (McMafia, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell) CEO at Cuba Pictures, says: “We are incredibly proud to bring The Walsh Sisters to life, working alongside such talented partners as RTÉ, BBC, Screen Ireland, Cineflix Rights and Metropolitan Films. With the incomparable stories of Marian Keyes as our foundation, Stefanie Preissner and Kefi Chadwick have crafted a rich and heartfelt adaptation that captures the humour, resilience, and emotion at the heart of these beloved characters and with Ian FitzGibbon at the helm as director, we can’t wait to share the series with everyone.”

David McLoughlin (KIN, The Tourist 2, and Wednesday 2), Producer and Company Director at Metropolitan Films International, says: “We are delighted to partner with Dixie and Cuba Pictures on this wonderful production, bringing together so many creative talents, and with our excellent funding partners RTÉ, BBC, Cineflix Rights and Screen Ireland.”

The Executive Producers are RTÉ’s Head of Drama, David Crean, and Director of Co-productions and Acquisitions, Dermot Horan; Cuba Pictures’ joint CEOs Dixie Linder and Nick Marston; Metropolitan Films Producer and Director David McLoughlin; and James Durie and Tom Misselbrook for Cineflix Rights; Stefanie Preissner; and Marian Keyes and Tony Baines.