First look at Emmett J. Scanlan's gripping new thriller

If Irish actor Emmett J. Scanlan is in the cast, you can usually guarantee it's going to be a big hit! With shows like Kin, Fool Me Once, Peaky Blinders and Mobland on his CV, he's certainly in high demand!

Well, Emmett is about to add a brand new crime drama to his list, as he's joined the cast of Channel 5's An Impossible Way to Die alongside Sharon Rooney (My Mad Fat Diary and The Celebrity Traitors).

What is An Impossible Way to Die?

An Impossible Way to Die is an upcoming new six-part drama, produced by Clapperboard Studios.

The official synopsis reads: 'DS Katie Salter is happily solving everyday crimes until fate drags her into an impossible murder mystery. Four people sat around a table seemingly set for a dinner party – except they are all dead. The only clue is a scorpion crawling out of one of the victim’s mouths…

'Salter is not your stereotypical damaged and tormented tv detective. Smart, diligent and committed to her family, tensions quickly surface when Salter is partnered with DI Niall Conway lead investigator on the case.

'Salter’s measured, grounded approach clashes with Conway’s all-consuming dedication to the job. At first, the two detectives appear fundamentally incompatible. Yet, as the investigation deepens and the pressure intensifies, Conway begins to recognise the value of Salter's empathy, optimism, and instinctive understanding of people. As the case grows increasingly impossible, secrets are unearthed and conspiracies emerge, lives are put at risk as the detectives race against time to connect seemingly disparate cases and unmask a killer before it’s too late.'

On Monday 5th October, Channel 5 shared the first look photos from the new drama, showing Sharon Rooney as DS Katie Salter and Emmett J. Scanlan as DI Niall Conway.

Check out the first look photos below:

Is there a trailer?

No trailer has been released just yet.

When does it start?

Bosses are yet to reveal an exact start date, but we do know it will air sometime in 2027.

Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, 5 says: “An Impossible Way to Die is exactly the kind of distinctive, compelling drama we want to bring to 5 audiences. Casting Sharon Rooney as a detective was the genesis of this thriller, and she brings something fresh and compelling to DS Katie Salter. With its brilliant premise, bold take on the detective genre, fantastic cast and Clapperboard’s flair for character-driven drama, we’re hugely excited to see the series come to life.”

What channel is it on?

An Impossible Way to Die will air on Channel 5.

READ MORE: The tense trailer for new drama Nocturne has arrived

Who is in the cast?

Sharon Rooney and Emmett J. Scanlan lead the cast as DS Katie Salter and DI Niall Conway, with Lois Chimimba, Jonny Lavelle and Ashley McGuire also confirmed.

Mike Benson, Managing Director, Clapperboard Studios said: “We’re delighted to be working again with two of the finest performers out there in Sharon and Emmett, alongside our fantastic cast and talented production team led by Adam and Amber. The scripts are really quite special - gripping, witty and insidious - and alongside our partners 5 and DCD we can’t wait to introduce the world to DS Salter who avoids all the tropes we’ve seen in television detectives down the years.”

Author: Alex Ross

Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.