AMC Networks’ Acorn TV commissions new detective drama Signora Volpe with Acorn Media Enterprises from ITV Studios-backed production company Route 24. Created and written by Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths (Midsomer Murders) who are also EPs, the three feature-length contemporary and surprising mysteries will star Emilia Fox (Silent Witness, Delicious, The Pianist) as a disillusioned British spy turned detective in the beautiful heart of Italy. Tara Fitzgerald (Belgravia, Game of Thrones) will play Sylvia’s sister, Isabel. Production on the intriguing and appealing drama will begin in Italy in the beautiful Lazio and Umbria regions in May 2021.

Executive Producers are Marc Samuelson and Josie Law for Route 24, Catherine Mackin for Acorn Media Enterprises, Emilia Fox and Dudi Appleton (Silent Witness, Thorne), who will also direct the first 90 minute episode. Mark Brozel (Humans, ShakespeaRe-Told) will direct the second and third 90 minute stories. Patricia Rybarczyk (The Last Bus) is producing. Cristina Giubbetti (Domina) is Executive Producer for Cattleya, who are providing Italian Production Services. Acorn TV has the world premiere with exclusive rights in North America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America. Acorn TV will feature its world premiere as an Acorn TV Original in 2022.

Signora Volpe will be in the best tradition of British amateur detectives, but with a distinctly contemporary, European twist.

To the casual observer, there’s nothing remarkable about Sylvia (Emilia Fox). An intelligent, confident woman, Sylvia tends to keep quiet about her formidable linguistic abilities, impressive knowledge of weaponry, and skills as a markswoman. Questions about her professional life are met with bland answers about an unspectacular career in the Civil Service. Which is only very slightly true – because until recently, Sylvia was a high-ranking British spy.

Though Sylvia has spent years as a top MI6 operative, she’s lost her faith in the Service when she heads off to visit her sister Isabel (Tara Fitzgerald) who lives in the beautiful village of Panicale in Umbria, where Isabel is preparing for the wedding of her daughter Alice. When Alice’s fiancé disappears and a dead body is found near his house, Sylvia becomes involved in a murder investigation. She takes it upon herself to solve the crime – reconnecting with her family along the way – and decides simply not to return to her old life in grey, rain-soaked England.

As she starts her new life in Italy, Sylvia finds that trouble follows her wherever she goes. Motivated by her passion for justice, instinct for adventure and – as others point out – sheer nosiness and determination to prove herself right, Sylvia soon gets embroiled in further compelling crimes and mysteries. Though it seems an earthly paradise, Umbria proves to be a place where lust, greed and hatred flourish as readily as in the seamiest city backstreets.

Emilia Fox noted: “Ever since first reading Rachel and Sally’s superb script of Signora Volpe I have been so excited about playing Sylvia. She is such an interesting and complex character, and the writing is fantastic. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Route 24 to develop the series and am thrilled to have such great directors, producers, cast and crew on board this exciting new production.”

Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises, said: “Acorn Media Enterprises is thrilled to commission Signora Volpe and work with Route 24. Featuring an incredible cast led by Emilia Fox, a picturesque Italian setting, and surprising mysteries, Signora Volpe will be a highly entertaining, escapist treat for Acorn TV subscribers around the world.”

Josie Law, Route 24, said “This is a show very close to our hearts and we’re delighted to be working with a very talented, wonderful team of people in bringing it to life. Acorn is a hugely supportive, creative company to partner with and we can’t wait for them to share the show with their audiences around the world. Sylvia offers an original, appealing viewpoint from which to navigate the wonders and mysteries of Italy and we’re certain that the brilliant Emilia Fox will make her an iconic and much-loved character.”

AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is the leading streaming service specializing in British and international television with subscribers worldwide in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Spain, Portugal, among other areas. Acorn TV adds exclusive new programs every week to a deep library of mysteries, dramas, and comedies with no commercials. In 2021, Acorn TV will feature commissioned original series including British crime drama Whitstable Pearl starring Kerry Godliman (After Life), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines, British detective drama Dalgleish starring Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell), the second season of Miss Fisher spinoff Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, as well as Irish crime thriller Bloodlands starring James Nesbitt and co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio, the return of New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder starring Lucy Lawless, and a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas that include A Place to Call Home, Detectorists, Jack Irish and Foyle’s War. Recent Acorn TV Original series include Deadwater Fell starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo, highly-rated BBC One drama The Nest; and groundbreaking BBC One period drama A Suitable Boy from Mira Nair. Website: Acorn.TV

Acorn Media Enterprises is Acorn TV’s UK-based development arm which works with producers, distributors, writers and broadcasters in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and beyond to commission, co-produce and co-finance the best international, English-language scripted shows. AME has commissioned returning series Agatha Raisin Series 2, 3, and 4, Queens of Mystery Series 1 and 2, London Kills Series 1 and 2, and Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries Series 2 starring Geraldine Hakewill, as well as Whitstable Pearl starring Kerry Godliman, Dalgliesh starring Bertie Carvel, The Chelsea Detective starring Adrian Scarborough, The Reluctant Madame Blanc starring Sally Lindsay, and most recently Harry Wild starring Jane Seymour.