ITV’s new six-part crime drama Winter premieres on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, bringing a fresh investigative team to British television screens. Adapted from the French series Balthazar, the Bristol-set thriller stars Richard Armitage as forensic pathologist Dr. Ethan Winter and Annabel Scholey as DI Lauren Bell, alongside Jamie Kenna as DS Ellis Daldry, as reported by AOL.
For actor Jamie Kenna, the launch night carries added personal significance. His wife, Claire Marlowe, marked the broadcasting milestone by sharing celebratory messages on social media, tying the nationwide premiere of the drama directly to her husband’s birthday.
Cast Dynamics and Production Background
The six-part series pairs Winter’s unorthodox forensic methods with the meticulous approach of DI Lauren Bell, who has recently transferred from the Met. Rounding out the primary trio is DS Ellis Daldry, played by Kenna. Described as a stalwart, old-school copper, Daldry focuses on securing justice rather than climbing institutional ranks within the force.
While the story is set against the atmospheric backdrop of Bristol, production took place across both the UK and Belgium. Executive producer Walker Luzzolino and directors Kaat Beels and Dries Vos collaborated on the visual style, constructing an elaborate laboratory set inside a former Victorian swimming pool simulation to establish a distinctive aesthetic.
Personal Milestones and Family Tributes
The series debut aligns closely with personal celebrations in Kenna’s household. Marlowe posted an affectionate tribute on Instagram alongside a promotional poster for the ITV thriller with the simple caption “My husband,” followed by birthday greetings that coincided with the evening broadcast.
The couple’s milestone follows another recent family celebration, as Marlowe shared photographs from their wedding anniversary just a fortnight prior, marking nine years since their large outdoor ceremony.
Broadcast Details and Future Episodes
Winter airs weekly on ITV1 and STV, with all six episodes simultaneously made available to stream on ITVX and STV Player. In the United States, the series is scheduled to air via PBS MASTERPIECE.
Alongside weekly standalone murder cases, the narrative explores an underlying mystery concerning the unresolved murder of Simone Edwards, a case that continues to haunt Dr. Winter as the season unfolds.