Search icon

Entertainment

03rd Dec 2024

RTÉ announces new drama based on Marian Keyes’ beloved novels

Sophie Collins

RTÉ has unveiled The Walsh Sisters, a six-part drama series inspired by Marian Keyes’ best-selling novels. 

This adaptation brings to life the world of five sisters, a devout mother, and a bemused father in their hometown of Dublin.  

Set to premiere in 2025, the series promises a mix of humour, heartbreak, and poignant family dynamics. 

Viewers will follow Anna, Rachel, Maggie, Claire, and Helen as they navigate the ups and downs of their late 20s and 30s. 

Packed with sibling in-jokes, lingering resentments, and deep familial bonds, the series will explore themes of addiction, grief, parenthood, and love – all tied together by the Walsh sisters’ shared history and unshakable connection.  

As one of Ireland’s most celebrated authors, Keyes has sold over 39 million books worldwide, with her works translated into 36 languages. 

She was also named Author of the Year at the 2022 British Book Awards.  

Keyes spoke of her excitement about the adaptation and said: “This is SO exciting!!!! I’m beside myself! I love the scripts; they’ve really kept the spirit of the books. 

Marian Keyes

“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 adaptation boasts a stellar creative team, led by Dublin-based screenwriter Stefanie Preissner (Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope) and writer and executive producer Kefi Chadwick (Rivals; Death in Paradise).

Ian Fitzgibbon will direct the series, while production will be handled by award-winning companies Cuba Pictures (London) and Metropolitan Films International (Ireland), in collaboration with RTÉ, BBC, Screen Ireland, and Cineflix Rights.  

Stefanie Preissner shared her personal connection to the project and said: “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 whole process has been gorgeous. I cannot wait for everyone to see the magic we are making.”  

David Crean, RTÉ’s Head of Drama, echoed this excitement and said: “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.”  

Filming for The Walsh Sisters is slated to begin in early 2025, with the highly anticipated series set to join RTÉ’s drama lineup later that year.

READ MORE:

Topics: