The Former Doctor Who and Broadchurch showrunner is returning to television. 

Since leaving his Doctor Who showrunner’s job in 2022, Chris Chibnall has created the stage comedy One Last Push, which recently premiered in Salisbury. His debut novel Death at the White Hart, is also out in January 2025.

However, while he apparently resisted a Doctor Who return, unlike Steven Moffat, Chibnall is coming back to television. The writer is behind an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery, commissioned by Netflix, produced by his company Imaginary Friends and Orchard Pictures.

The Seven Dials Mystery

Gerry Wade had proved himself to be a champion sleeper; so the other house guests decided to play a practical joke on him. Eight alarm clocks were set to go off, one after the other, starting at 6.30 a.m. But when morning arrived, one clock was missing and the prank had backfired with tragic consequences.

For Jimmy Thesiger in particular, the words ‘Seven Dials’ were to take on a new and chilling significance.

First published in 1929, The Seven Dials Mystery features Lady Eileen ‘Bundle’ Brent, along with Lord Caterham, Bill Eversleigh, George Lomax, Tredwell, and Superintendent Battle – all of whom first appeared in 1925’s The Secret of Chimneys.

James Prichard, of Agatha Christie Limited, says:

“Bundle Brent is one of my great grandmother’s raft of interesting humorous sharp young female characters. To see her brought to life through the words of Chris Chibnall and this production with Orchid Pictures and Netflix is a dream come true. I think viewers will love this world that we have created, and hope for more.”

Chris Chibnall writes and Chris Sweeney (The Tourist) directs. Chibnall also executive producers with Suzanne Mackie (The Crown) of Orchid Pictures and Chris Sussman (Good Omens). James Pritchard of Agatha Christie Limited also executive produces.

The series films this summer. We’ll keep you posted.